The Development of Theory of Mind in Early Childhood
Children’s awareness of thoughts, wants and feelings is inferred from what they say and do in naturalistic and experimental situations. Natural settings show the child’s abilities to interact with others in the real world.
1. What are the typical developments in theory of mind from infancy to age 5?
2. What factors, both those in the social environment and those internal to the child, influence the rate of development?
3. What are the consequences of theory-of-mind development for children’s social competence and for their success in school?