Theory of Mind

Abstract

Abstract Everyday understanding of the social world relies, at least in part, on having a theory of mind—an understanding of how mental states such as beliefs, desires, and intentions cause human behavior. After introducing the core conceptual distinctions to frame discussion of the issues, we review a wide range of literature pertaining to the development of a range of theory of mind understandings; the cognitive, neurobiological, and experiential factors that contribute to those developments; and how the development of theory of mind affects a variety of social competencies, in typical and atypical development. Finally, we discuss various theories of theory of mind development and broader importance of theory of mind research for the field.

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