Overview & Description:

Theory of Mind refers to the ability to attribute mental states, such as beliefs, desires, and intentions, to oneself and others, and to understand that others have mental states different from one’s own. This is crucial for social interactions and empathic understanding.

Example:

A child understanding that their friend is sad even though they themselves are not sad demonstrates a fundamental application of ToM.

Implications:

• Autism Research: Individuals with autism often show differences in ToM, affecting social interactions.
• Social Psychology: Exploring social understanding and how mental state attributions affect interactions and relationships.

References:

• Premack, D., & Woodruff, G. (1978). Does the chimpanzee have a theory of mind? Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 1(4), 515-526.