The Sibling Effect on Theory of Mind Among Chinese Preschoolers: Considering the Role of Parenting Style and Peer Interaction

ABSTRACT

Research Findings: This study extends the understanding of the sibling effect on children’s theory of mind (ToM) among Chinese preschoolers by adopting an ecological perspective. The participants were 225 Chinese preschoolers, comprising 100 children with siblings (M_age = 4.54 years, SD = 1.11, 55 boys) and 125 children without siblings (M_age = 4.52 years, SD = 0.99, 60 boys). We assessed children’s ToM through a child measurement task, and peer interaction time on the weekend and parenting style (i.e. authoritarian and authoritative parenting style) through parent reports. This study revealed that the role of siblings in children’s development of ToM did not have a main effect among Chinese preschoolers, regardless of their birth order or siblings’ ages. However, when considering the influence of parents and peers in addition to siblings, the sibling effect is only noticeable for children with low interaction levels with their peers. Practice or Policy: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that in China, child-aged siblings positively influence the ToM development in children who have limited interactions with peers. These findings underscore the value of siblings as a developmental resource and offer parents critical insights into fostering ToM, especially under the two-child policy.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Author’s Contribution

Conceptualization: Chunhong Zhu, Yun Hong; Methodology: Ni Yan, Bin-Bin Chen; Formal analysis and investigation: Chunhong Zhu, Yun Hong, Xin Dai; Writing – original draft preparation: Chunhong Zhu, Xin Dai; Writing – review and editing: Ni Yan, Bin-Bin Chen; Funding acquisition: Ni Yan; Resources: Ni Yan; Supervision: Ni Yan, Bin-Bin Chen.

Availability of Data and Materials

Study materials and data are available upon request.

Statement Regarding Ethical Approval

This study was approved by the Southwest University Internal Review Board (Study Number: H23094).

Statement Regarding Informed Consent

All participants signed the consent forms.

Statement Regarding Research Involving Human Participants and/or Animals

The study has been carried out in accordance with The Code of Ethics of the World Medical Association for experiments involving humans.

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge the support of grants from the Chinese National Natural Science Fund [Grant No. 32171067; principal investigator: Ni Yan]. Opinions reflect those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the granting 440 agencies.