Theory of mind: its development and its relation to communication disorders: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective To define theory of mind (TOM), its development, its significance, its assessment, its deficits and intervention. Data sources Medline databases (PubMed, Medscape and Science Direct) and all materials available in the Internet from 1990 to 2016. Study selection The initial search presented 250 articles of which 47 met the inclusion criteria. The articles studied the development, assessment, deficits and intervention of TOM. Data extraction If the studies did not fulfill the inclusion criteria, they were excluded. Study quality assessment included whether ethical approval was gained, eligibility criteria specified, appropriate controls, adequate information and defined assessment measures. Data synthesis Significant data were collected. It was heterogeneous. Thus, a structured review was performed with the results tabulated. Conclusion TOM is the ability to infer the mental states such as (beliefs, thoughts, intentions) to one-self and to the others. Joint attention is an early precursor of TOM development. Theoretical accounts of TOM mechanism are, the Theory Theory, Simulation Theory and Modularity Theory. Many tools used in its assessment as false belief tasks (e.g., Sally and Anne task) and TOM test. It is impaired in autism, attention deficits hyperactivity disorder, hearing impairment, schizophrenia and dementia. Intervention solutions for the deficit are undertaken. Phoniatritions should be aware of TOM as a cognitive capacity that plays a big role in our communication. They should initiate appropriate assessment and interventions for disorders having TOM deficits.