Validation of the ToMas-child Scale for the Assessment of the Theory of Mind in a Group of Spanish Speaking Children Aged 3 to 7 Years from Spain

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Theory of Mind assessment scale in children (ToMas-child). Two hundred and fifty-two Spanish children from 3 to 7 years were assessed in school settings. Rasch analysis showed the ToMas-child is a unidimensional scale valid for the assessment of the main components of the ToM in children. Data of hierarchical distribution of six items (seven tasks) are discussed as milestones in the latent construct of ToM development in childhood, and construct validity of the scale is examined. A reliability index of PSI = 0.7 indicated the usefulness of the scale as a screening tool.

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the FPU16/03165 grant from the Spanish Ministry of Education to Sandra Rivas-Garcia. We are indebted to all the children who took part in this study, as well as to the teachers who supported us in the schools.

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Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte [FPU16/03165].