Theory of Mind - Children can already empathize with others

In particular, Theory of Mind (ToM) explains one's ability to logically understand other people's thoughts and beliefs. The development of this ability is an important milestone in the child's mental development. ToM is learned at the age of four to five years, sometimes even earlier.

Closely linked to the theory of mind is empathy as an analogous development in the realm of emotion. By definition, empathy refers to the ability to perceive, interpret, and understand other person's feelings, thoughts, intentions, and personality traits. The mirror neurons are likely to have their hands in the game, too.

False-Beliefs - Exploring Theory of Mind

In 1983, a simple task was developed that allows the ToM to be checked and convincingly explained at the same time. The test, referred to as the "false-oblivion task", assumes that children of a certain age and cognitive development ability are able to recognize that they know about false beliefs of others. The most well-known example of a False-Belief task is the following:

A child is shown a cookie jar. Quite rightly, the child suspects that there are cookies in it. The can is opened and instead of the hoped biscuits the child finds buttons or something unexpected. Now comes the crucial question: what would another child in the box suspect? In children who are still in the Theory of Mind stage, the answer will be buttons, because they have no idea what other people think or suspect. On the other hand, biscuits will be answered by children in whose brain ToM is already anchored.

Development of ToM

Theory of Mind develops in children out of social contact with the environment. Observations and experiences in combination with brain development also lead to the development of ToM. As the seat of this ability in the brain, the frontal cortex has been identified. There is also the control of cognitive abilities. In the course of early childhood, this area of ​​the brain develops and changes to a great extent. But even where the attention processes are interconnected, the ToM is involved. The results of the research show that the theory of mind is establishing a whole neural network in the brain.

Social contacts promote ToM development

It has long been assumed that girls are more involved with the development of Theory of Mind, which was refuted by a 2011 study. One of the findings of the study was that children with older siblings undergo this development earlier and faster. The friends at school and other social contacts also play a role and promote development. However, quality is more important than quantity. It does not count the number of friends or contacts, but the interaction taking place. Then the ToM goes off of its own accord and evolves with the growth of the children.

If ToM is missing

Many brain researchers now see a connection between missing or slowed development of ToM and early childhood autism. Furthermore, there are mental illnesses in which the theory of mind is extremely pronounced, but the empathy is completely absent. These features are found, for example, in psychopaths who, while able to empathize with other people, feel compassionate.

According to the researchers, Theory of Mind is a deeply human trait and is therefore inherited. This has been proven by studies on apes, which also possess this ability to a certain extent. A special promotion or even an acceleration is neither possible nor necessary. Like so much in the development of a healthy child, the ToM finds itself almost by itself.

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