The role of language in the association between theory of mind and executive functioning in early childhood: New longitudinal evidence

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Abstract

This study examined the temporal associations between theory of mind (ToM) and executive function (EF) and the effect of language skills on these associations in the development of young children. Data were collected on three occasions in a longitudinal study of children aged 3-6 years (N = 142). A longitudinal cross-lagged analysis was used to examine the bidirectional effects of ToM and EF and associations with language skills. Results extend previous findings by showing that EF measured at the first observation (average age 56 months) was likely to influence ToM at the second observation (average age 64 months). This effect was not reciprocal. However, the effect between ToM and EF became bidirectional over a six month period from the second to third observation (average age 70 months). In addition, language was found to influence both ToM and EF beyond the directional effect of these constructs on each other.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Early Childhood Research Quarterly

First Page

251

Last Page

258

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