Executive function ratings in educational settings: concurrent relations with cognitive and affective theory of mind. Issue 13 (3rd October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Longobardi, Emiddia; Spataro, Pietro; Morelli, Mara; Laghi, Fiorenzo
• Is Part Of: Early child development and care. Volume 192:Issue 13(2022)
• Page Start: 2046
• Page End: 2058
• Publication Date: 2022-10-03
• Subjects: Executive functions -- behaviour ratings -- theory-of-Mind -- working memory -- preschool children; Child development -- Periodicals; Children -- Services for -- Periodicals; 155.405
• DOI: 10.1080/03004430.2021.1975692
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-4430

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The present study examined the way in which behavioural difficulties in cool and hot EFs relate to measures of cognitive and affective ToM in preschoolers. A total of 144 children between 35 and 71 months were assessed with a first-order false-belief task (measuring cognitive ToM), the Test of Emotion Comprehension (measuring affective ToM) and a control task measuring productive language. Teachers filled in the preschool version of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-P), a questionnaire examining children's difficulties in educational settings in five different areas tapping both cool (Working Memory, Shift, Plan/Organize) and hot EFs (Inhibition and Emotional Control). Multiple regressions showed that cognitive ToM was predicted by productive language and executive difficulties in the Working Memory subscales of the BRIEF-P, whereas affective ToM was only predicted by age and productive language. Similarities and differences with the results of previous studies are discussed.