Work

Thinking about thinking: A longitudinal investigation linking developments in metacognition, inhibitory control, and theory of mind

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: • We tracked the development of metacognition, theory of mind and inhibitory control in 52 3- and 4-year-olds. • Introspection and inhibitory control emerged before theory of mind and predicted subsequent theory of mind competence. • Suggesting developmental mediation, introspection predicted inhibitory control which predicted theory of mind. • Metacognitive Introspection may support the development of inhibitory control, and in turn, theory of mind. This longitudinal study tracked the developmental relations linking metacognition, theory of mind, and inhibitory control in 52 children across a 1.5-year interval, beginning at 3 or 4 years of age. Metacognition and inhibitory control emerged before theory of mind and predicted subsequent theory of mind competence. Moreover, there was evidence of developmental mediation, whereby metacognition predicted inhibitory control, which predicted theory of mind. We suggest that metacognitive self-reflection may provide the “developmental enrichment” necessary to think about thinking, and when inhibitory control is sufficiently developed this thinking can be extended to complex reasoning about own and other minds.

Source: Journal of Experimental Child Psychology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2024.106103

Authors: Mariel Symeonidou, Martin J. Doherty, Josephine Ross

Institutions: University of Dundee, University of East Anglia

Language: English

Topic: Child and Animal Learning Development

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,340

Funders: University of Dundee, Experimental Psychology Society