The role of control functions in mentalizing: dual-task studies of Theory of Mind and executive function

Rebecca Bull*, Louise H. Phillips, Claire A. Conway

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

146 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Conflicting evidence has arisen from correlational studies regarding the role of executive control functions in Theory of Mind. The current study used dual-task manipulations of executive functions (inhibition, updating and switching) to investigate the role of these control functions in mental state and non-mental state tasks. The 'Eyes' pictorial test of Theory of Mind showed specific dual-task costs when concurrently performed with an inhibitory secondary task. In contrast, interference effects on a verbal 'Stories' task were general, occurring on both mental state and non-mental state tasks, and across all types of executive function. These findings from healthy functioning adults should help to guide decisions about appropriate methods of assessing ToM in clinical populations, and interpreting deficits in performance in such tasks in the context of more general cognitive dysfunction.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)663-672
Number of pages10
JournalCognition
Volume107
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Theory of Mind
  • executive functioning
  • dual-task

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