Psychological Development and Education ›› 2015, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (1): 51-61.doi: 10.16187/j.cnki.issn1001-4918.2015.01.08

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Meta-analysis of The Relation Between Executive Function and Theory of Mind:The Role of Inhibitory Control and Set Shifting

SU Yanjie, YU Jing   

  1. Department of Psychology, Peking University, Beijing 100871
  • Online:2015-01-15 Published:2015-01-15

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Abstract: The development of the Theory of Mind is of great significance for individual's socialization. This study proves that executive function can effectively predict the level of the Theory of Mind (r=0.37, p<0.001) by meta-analysis with cross-culture and cross-population stability. This relation is stable in one's life, proving the expression of executive function. However, in different stages of development, Theory of Mind is influenced by different components of executive function (Q1=411.75, p1<0.001, df1=90; Q2=219.49, p2<0.001, df2=50). Under age 3, inhibitory control plays a key role. Between 3 and 12 years old, the Theory of Mind is controlled by the combined effect of inhibitory control and set shifting, while during adolescence set shifting becomes more important. As to adulthood, both inhibitory control and set shifting could have a positive impact on the Theory of Mind.

Key words: theory of mind, executive function, inhibitory control, set shifting, meta-analysis

CLC Number: 

  • B844
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