Development of theory of mind: importance of nurturance
Journal of Children's Services
ISSN: 1746-6660
Article publication date: 25 September 2021
Issue publication date: 26 November 2021
Abstract
Purpose
Theory of mind (ToM) is essential in understanding and predicting human behaviour. Parenting plays a significant role in the overall cognitive development of children. This study aims to understand the development of ToM among children in need of care and protection and then to compare the data with children living under parental care and children living in boarding schools. Further, it explores the extent of physical abuse experienced by children in the study and their relation to the development of ToM.
Design/methodology/approach
ToM Test developed by Muris et al. (1999) was used to measure ToM. Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire was used to understand the children’s relationship with parents and experience of physical abuse. The study used an ex post facto design with a purposive sampling method.
Findings
Findings suggest a significant impact of parental care on the ToM among children. Also, the type of care received mediated the relationship between parental care and the development of ToM. Finally, children living in institutions run by the Child Welfare Department reported that they have received harsher physical punishment from their parents than the other two groups of children.
Research limitations/implications
Findings are a significant theoretical contribution to the ToM development in children, especially in the Indian context.
Social implications
Findings demand more legal and psychological support to vulnerable children living in institutions run by the Child Welfare Department and boarding schools.
Originality/value
The study explores care and abuse from the child’s perspective. Findings are of value to the existing child care system in India.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the CWC, Kozhikode and Childline India Foundation for facilitating data collection. The authors also thank Mohammed Rashid Ul Ansar and Alisha Firoz for their insightful suggestions that greatly supported the research.
Citation
Pullangotte, A. and Mangadu Paramasivam, G. (2021), "Development of theory of mind: importance of nurturance", Journal of Children's Services, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 346-363. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCS-07-2020-0030
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited