Theory of Mind Development in Context

Keeping track of others’ mental states, known as Theory of Mind, is a fundamental social-cognitive skill, the foundations of which are present in human infancy. Upon this foundation, our ability to ‘mindread’ becomes increasingly elaborate and individual differences emerge. This edited collection by world-leading researchers investigates how environmental influences such as culture, family, linguistics and atypical development affect Theory of Mind. The book examines typically developing children in various social contexts, as well as autistic and deaf children whose disabilities shape their social environments in telling ways.

This book, intended to honour Candida Peterson, will be of great interest to advanced undergraduates and researchers in developmental psychology, particularly socio-cognitive development and Theory of Mind.

Virginia Slaughter is Professor and Head of the School of Psychology at the University of Queensland, Australia.

Marc de Rosnay is Professor and Academic Head of Early Start at the University of Wollongong, Australia.