Theory-of-mind development influences suggestibility and source monitoring

Dev Psychol. 2008 Jul;44(4):1055-68. doi: 10.1037/0012-1649.44.4.1055.

Abstract

According to the mental-state reasoning model of suggestibility, 2 components of theory of mind mediate reductions in suggestibility across the preschool years. The authors examined whether theory-of-mind performance may be legitimately separated into 2 components and explored the memory processes underlying the associations between theory of mind and suggestibility, independent of verbal ability. Children 3 to 6 years old completed 6 theory-of-mind tasks and a postevent misinformation procedure. Contrary to the model's prediction, a single latent theory-of-mind factor emerged, suggesting a single-component rather than a dual-component conceptualization of theory-of-mind performance. This factor provided statistical justification for computing a single composite theory-of-mind score. Improvements in theory of mind predicted reductions in suggestibility, independent of verbal ability (Study 1, n = 72). Furthermore, once attribution biases were controlled (Study 2, n = 45), there was also a positive relationship between theory of mind and source memory, but not recognition performance. The findings suggest a substantial, and possibly causal, association between theory-of-mind development and resistance to suggestion, driven specifically by improvements in source monitoring.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attention*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Conflict, Psychological
  • Culture
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imagination
  • Language Development
  • Male
  • Mental Recall*
  • Personal Construct Theory*
  • Recognition, Psychology*
  • Retention, Psychology
  • Suggestion*
  • Visual Perception*