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

• DOI: 10.1007/s00426-019-01263-6
• Publication Date: 2019-11-08T14:34:35Z
• Authors: Edith Theresa Gab...; Raphaela Oberger; Michaela Schmoeger; Matthias Deckert; Stefanie Vockh; Eduard Auff; Ulrike Willinger
• Keywords: Verbal fluency test; Cognitive flexibility

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