scholarly journals Theory of Mind in ADHD. A Proposal to Improve Working Memory through the Stimulation of the Theory of Mind

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (24) ◽  
pp. 9286
Author(s):  
Rocío Lavigne ◽  
Antonia González-Cuenca ◽  
Marta Romero-González ◽  
Marta Sánchez
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Mental States ◽  
Social Adaptation ◽  
Neuropsychological Battery ◽  
Intelligence Scale ◽  
Verbal Comprehension ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Low Performance ◽  
Stimulation Of

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between Theory of Mind (ToM), Working Memory (WM), and Verbal Comprehension (VC). Performance of these variables was evaluated in 44 elementary students (6–12 years) diagnosed with ADHD. Their performance in all variables was collected through the Neuropsychological Battery (NEPSY-II) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children IV. The results showed that fifty percent of the participants were below the 25th percentile in ToM and that this low performance was not related to age. In addition, analyses showed statistically significant relationships between WM, VC, and ToM. Analysis of the effect of WM and VC on ToM showed that only WM explained the variance in participant performance in ToM. These results led us to raise the need to include ToM among the skills to be stimulated in programs for the treatment of ADHD, accompanying other skills related to social adaptation that are usually included in such programs. Likewise, considering that ToM implies putting into practice skills such as considering different points of view, attending to relevant aspects of the context, making decisions, inferring mental states, and predicting behaviors, we believe that through the stimulation of ToM, WM would also be stimulated.

scholarly journals Cognitive and affective Theory of Mind in adolescence: developmental aspects and associated neuropsychological variables

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edith Theresa Gabriel ◽  
Raphaela Oberger ◽  
Michaela Schmoeger ◽  
Matthias Deckert ◽  
Stefanie Vockh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Language Comprehension ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Mental States ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Late Adolescents ◽  
Affective Processes ◽  
Neuropsychological Tasks ◽  
Neuropsychological Variables

Abstract Theory of Mind (ToM) is the ability to represent and attribute mental states to oneself and others. So far, research regarding ToM processing across adolescence is scarce. Existing studies either yield inconsistent results or did not or not thoroughly investigate aspects like higher order ToM and associated neuropsychological variables which the current study tried to address. 643 typically developing early, middle, and late adolescents (age groups 13–14; 15–16; 17–18) performed cognitive and affective ToM tasks as well as neuropsychological tasks tapping the cognitive or affective domain. Regarding both ToM types, 15- to 16-year-olds and 17- to 18-year-olds outperformed 13- to 14-year-olds, whereas females were superior regarding cognitive ToM. Across adolescence, cognitive and affective ToM correlated with attention and affective intelligence, whereas working memory, language comprehension, and figural intelligence additionally correlated with cognitive ToM. In early adolescence, attention correlated with both ToM types, whereas cognitive ToM further correlated with language comprehension and affective ToM with verbal intelligence, verbal fluency, and verbal flexibility. In middle and late adolescence, affective intelligence correlated with both ToM types, whereas cognitive ToM additionally correlated with working memory, language comprehension, and figural intelligence. The current study shows a developmental step regarding cognitive and affective ToM in middle adolescence as well as gender differences in cognitive ToM processing. Associations between neuropsychological variables and ToM processing were shown across adolescence and within age groups. Results give new insights into social cognition in adolescence and are well supported by neuroscientific and neurobiological studies regarding ToM and the integration of cognitive and affective processes. Graphic abstract

scholarly journals Intuitive physics and intuitive psychology (“theory of mind”) in offspring of mothers with psychoses

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebeka Marothi ◽  
Szabolcs Keri
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Motor Performance ◽  
Folk Psychology ◽  
Mental States ◽  
Social Adaptation ◽  
Abnormal Development ◽  
Folk Physics ◽  
Intuitive Physics ◽  
Psychology Theory

Offspring of individuals with psychoses sometimes display an abnormal development of cognition, language, motor performance, social adaptation, and emotional functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of children of mothers with schizophrenia (n=28) and bipolar disorder (n=23) to understand mental states of others using the Eyes Test (folk psychology or “theory of mind”) and physical causal interactions of inanimate objects (folk psychics). Compared with healthy controls (n=29), the children of mothers with schizophrenia displayed significantly impaired performances on the Eyes Test but not on the folk physics test. The children of mothers with bipolar disorder did not differ from the controls and outperformed the children of mothers with schizophrenia on the folk physics test. These results suggest that the attribution of mental states, but not the interpretation of causal interaction of objects, is impaired in offspring of individuals with schizophrenia, which may contribute to social dysfunctions.

scholarly journals Intuitive physics and intuitive psychology (“theory of mind”) in offspring of mothers with psychoses

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebeka Marothi ◽  
Szabolcs Keri
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Motor Performance ◽  
Folk Psychology ◽  
Mental States ◽  
Social Adaptation ◽  
Abnormal Development ◽  
Folk Physics ◽  
Intuitive Physics ◽  
Psychology Theory

Offspring of individuals with psychoses sometimes display an abnormal development of cognition, language, motor performance, social adaptation, and emotional functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of children of mothers with schizophrenia (n=28) and bipolar disorder (n=23) to understand mental states of others using the Eyes Test (folk psychology or “theory of mind”) and physical causal interactions of inanimate objects (folk psychics). Compared with healthy controls (n=29), the children of mothers with schizophrenia displayed significantly impaired performances on the Eyes Test but not on the folk physics test. The children of mothers with bipolar disorder did not differ from the controls and outperformed the children of mothers with schizophrenia on the folk physics test. These results suggest that the attribution of mental states, but not the interpretation of causal interaction of objects, is impaired in offspring of individuals with schizophrenia, which may contribute to social dysfunctions.

scholarly journals M59. THE ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN THEORY OF MIND AND NEUROCOGNITION IN RECENT ONSET PSYCHOSIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S157-S157
Author(s):  
Élisabeth Thibaudeau ◽  
William Pothier ◽  
Andréanne Lavoie ◽  
Mélissa Turcotte ◽  
Amélie M Achim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Visual Learning ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Mental States ◽  
Speed Of Processing ◽  
Recent Onset ◽  
Reasoning Problem

Abstract Background Deficits in theory of mind (ToM), the ability to infer the mental states of others, are common in psychotic disorders and are associated with functioning difficulties. While ToM is a social cognitive process, several neurocognitive processes are involved when inferring the mental states of others. A better understanding of the associations between ToM and neurocognitive domains could help better target treatment for ToM in schizophrenia. A recent meta-analysis has revealed that all neurocognitive domains are moderately associated with ToM in schizophrenia, but very few studies have looked at these associations in recent onset psychosis. These studies showed associations between ToM and speed of processing, episodic memory and executive functions although few neurocognitive domains have been assessed in each study. The aim of this study was to determine the associations between ToM and the key neurocognitive domains in recent onset psychosis. Methods These results are part of a larger study that aimed to determine the cognitive predictors of return to work or school in recent onset psychosis. Twenty-seven recent onset psychosis patients were recruited for this study, with a mean age of 24.9 years. The clinical assessment included the Combined Stories Test for ToM and the Matrics Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) for neurocognition. The MCCB assesses the key cognitive domains relevant for schizophrenia, including attention/vigilance, speed of processing, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning, reasoning/problem solving and social cognition. Pearson correlations were conducted between the ToM scores of the Combined Stories Test and each neurocognitive domain of the MCCB. Results Correlations revealed a moderate to strong association between ToM and working memory (r = 0.443, p = 0.021), visual learning (r = 0.493, p = 0.009) and verbal learning (r = 0.443, p = 0.021). The correlations between ToM and attention/vigilance, speed of processing and reasoning/problem solving were not significant (p > 0.05). Discussion This is the first study that has assessed the associations between ToM and the neurocognitive domains of the MCCB in recent onset psychosis. This study did not show association between ToM and speed of processing nor executive functions, but rather with working memory and learning. These contradictory results could be explained by the large heterogeneity of tasks used across studies, particularly ToM tasks that often present with psychometric limitations such as ceiling effect. Learning processes highlighted here should be considered in the understanding of the therapeutic response following a cognitive remediation therapy for ToM in recent onset psychosis.

Usefulness of WISC-IV in Determining Intellectual Giftedness

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clara Molinero ◽  
Sara Mata ◽  
Mª Dolores Calero ◽  
Mª Belén García-Martín ◽  
Arsenio Araque-Cuenca
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Perceptual Organization ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Gifted Children ◽  
Intelligence Scale ◽  
Verbal Comprehension ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Order Factor ◽  
Intellectual Level

AbstractSeveral studies question the usefulness of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) in determining giftedness due to the importance of speed in some of its subtests, which may penalize children of high intellectual level. This study analyzes the factor structure of the WISC-IV of gifted children based on confirmatory factor analysis. Participants were eighty-seven gifted children from Spain (6–13 years old). Score discrepancies were also examined for the main indexes: Verbal Comprehension, Processing Speed, Working Memory and Perceptual Organization. Results pointed out four models with a good fit from the five models analyzed: a two-factor model according to GAI subscales (RMSEA = .001, p = .84), a four-factor first-order model including main indexes (RMSEA = .05, p = .19), a four-factor model with g as a direct factor (RMSEA = .001, p = .84) and a four-factor model with g as an indirect higher-order factor (RMSEA = .05, p = .13). Discrepancies were found between Verbal Comprehension and Processing Speed, and between Perceptual Organization and Processing Speed. Verbal Comprehension yielded the highest score, whereas the lowest scores were obtained in Processing Speed and Working Memory. These results support the use of this scale in the assessment and diagnosis of Spanish children with a high intellectual level.

The Development of a Motor-Free Short-Form of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fifth Edition

Assessment ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 1564-1572
Author(s):  
Adina M. Piovesana ◽  
Jessica L. Harrison ◽  
Jacob J. Ducat
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Intelligence Quotient ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Motor Impairments ◽  
Intelligence Scale ◽  
Verbal Comprehension ◽  
Base Rates ◽  
Index Level ◽  
Perceptual Reasoning ◽  
User Friendly

Purpose. This study aimed to develop a motor-free short-form of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fifth Edition (WISC-V) that allows clinicians to estimate the Full Scale Intelligence Quotients of youths with motor impairments. Method. Using the reliabilities and intercorrelations of six WISC-V motor-free subtests, psychometric methodologies were applied to develop look-up tables for four Motor-free Short-form indices: Verbal Comprehension Short-form, Perceptual Reasoning Short-form, Working Memory Short-form, and a Motor-free Intelligence Quotient. Index-level discrepancy tables were developed using the same methods to allow clinicians to statistically compare visual, verbal, and working memory abilities. Results. The short-form indices had excellent reliabilities ( r = .92-.97) comparable to the original WISC-V. Conclusion. This motor-free short-form of the WISC-V is a reliable alternative for the assessment of intellectual functioning in youths with motor impairments. Clinicians are provided with user-friendly look-up tables, index level discrepancy tables, and base rates, displayed similar to those in the WISC-V manuals to enable interpretation of assessment results.

Predictions of Actions and Their Justifications in False-Belief Tasks: The Role of Executive Function

2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 500-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Putko ◽  
Agata Złotogórska
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Language Development ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Working Memory Capacity ◽  
Mental States ◽  
False Belief ◽  
Current Location ◽  
False Belief Tasks ◽  
Development Of Language

Abstract The main objective of this study was to examine whether children’s ability to justify their action predictions in terms of mental states is related, in a similar way as the ability to predict actions, to such aspects of executive function (EF) as executive control and working memory. An additional objective was to check whether the frequency of different types of justifications made by children in false-belief tasks is associated with aforementioned aspects of EF, as well as language. The study included 59 children aged 3-4 years. The ability to predict actions and to justify these predictions was measured with false-belief tasks. Luria’s hand-game was used to assess executive control, and the Counting and Labelling dual-task was used to assess working memory capacity. Language development was controlled using an embedded syntax test. It was found that executive control was a significant predictor of the children’s ability to justify their action predictions in terms of mental states, even when age and language were taken into account. Results also indicated a relationship between the type of justification in the false-belief task and language development. With the development of language children gradually cease to justify their action predictions in terms of current location, and they tend to construct irrelevant justifications before they begin to refer to beliefs. Data suggest that executive control, in contrast to language, is a factor which affects the development of the children’s ability to justify their action predictions only in its later phase, during a shift from irrelevant to correct justifications.

Sources of cognitive conflict and their relevance to Theory of Mind proficiency in healthy ageing. A preregistered study.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Foyzul Rahman ◽  
Sabrina Javed ◽  
Ian Apperly ◽  
Peter Hansen ◽  
Carol Holland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Spatial Working Memory ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Response Speed ◽  
Cognitive Conflict ◽  
Mental States ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Outcome Knowledge

Age-related decline in Theory of Mind (ToM) may be due to waning executive control, which is necessary for resolving conflict when reasoning about others’ mental states. We assessed how older (OA; n=50) versus younger adults (YA; n=50) were affected by three theoretically relevant sources of conflict within ToM: competing Self-Other perspectives; competing cued locations and outcome knowledge. We examined which best accounted for age-related difficulty with ToM. Our data show unexpected similarity between age groups when representing a belief incongruent with one’s own. Individual differences in attention and motor response speed best explained the degree of conflict experienced through conflicting Self-Other perspectives. However, OAs were disproportionately affected by managing conflict between cued locations. Age and spatial working memory were most relevant for predicting the magnitude of conflict elicited by conflicting cued locations. We suggest that previous studies may have underestimated OA’s ToM proficiency by including unnecessary conflict in ToM tasks.

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