Association between executive functions and theory of mind in children: Empirical evidence and theoretical implications.

Abstract

Previous studies have found that executive functioning (EF) is related to theory of mind (ToM). However, the directionality and strength of this link remain a topic of debate in the current literature. The aim of this paper was to analyze the study perspectives and empirical evidence on the directionality and strength of the co-development of EF and ToM in children. The literature search was performed in Web of Science. Sci2 Tool and Gephi were used for the analysis. Cluster analysis showed three study perspectives focused on the relationship between EF performance and ToM in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (1), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (2) and typical development (TD) (3). We found a consistent pattern of association between EF and ToM in children with ASD, ADHD, and TD. Longitudinal findings showed that the association between early EF and late ToM, including false belief comprehension, is stronger than the inverse association and tends to consolidate with age, indicating an EF→ToM, but not ToM→EF directionality, and is not better explained by the effect of executive demands posed in ToM tasks. Taken together, the evidence supports the “emergence” and “enrichment” theoretical accounts in considering that EFs in early child neurodevelopment are ontogenetically implicated in the acquisition, consolidation, and change of psychological state comprehension abilities in others.