Theory of mind depends on domain-general executive functions of working memory and cognitive inhibition in children with traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Relations among theory of mind (ToM), the executive functions of working memory and cognitive inhibition, and frontal lesions were studied using path analysis in 43 school-aged children with traumatic brain injury. The relation between cognitive inhibition and ToM involved a single mediated path, such that cognitive inhibition predicted ToM through working memory. Frontal injury had a direct impact on working memory, which then separately determined ToM performance, the direct single paths between frontal injury and ToM being nonsignificant. The expression of ToM in school-age children with traumatic brain injury is not domain specific, but instead depends on the domain-general functions of working memory and cognitive inhibition.

Keywords:

• Theory of mind
• Executive function
• Working memory
• Inhibitory control
• Childhood traumatic brain injury
• Frontal lobe lesions
• Path analysis

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by project grants from the Physicians' Services Incorporated Foundation and by National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke Grant NS-21889, “Neurobehavioral Outcome of Head Injury in Children.” Some of these data were presented at an international conference, “Why Language Matters for Theory of Mind,” held at the University of Toronto, 25–27 April, 2002. We thank Margaret Wilkinson and Larraine Ferreira for research assistance.