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Factorial structure of the ‘ToM Storybooks’: A test evaluating multiple components of Theory of Mind
Author(s) -
Bulgarelli Daniela,
Testa Silvia,
Molina Paola
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
british journal of developmental psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.062
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 2044-835X
pISSN - 0261-510X
DOI - 10.1111/bjdp.12062
Subject(s) - psychology , factorial , confirmatory factor analysis , theory of mind , test (biology) , social psychology , developmental psychology , perception , structural equation modeling , cognitive psychology , cognition , statistics , mathematical analysis , paleontology , mathematics , neuroscience , biology
This study examined the factorial structure of the T heory of M ind ( T o M ) S torybooks, a comprehensive 93‐item instrument tapping the five components in W ellman's model of T o M (emotion recognition, understanding of desire and beliefs, ability to distinguish between physical and mental entities, and awareness of the link between perception and knowledge). A sample of 681 three‐ to eight‐year‐old Italian children was divided into three age groups to assess whether factorial structure varied across different age ranges. Partial credit model analysis was applied to the data, leading to the empirical identification of 23 composite variables aggregating the T o M Storybooks items. Confirmatory factor analysis was then conducted on the composite variables, providing support for the theoretical model. There were partial differences in the specific composite variables making up the dimensions for each of the three age groups. A single test evaluating distinct dimensions of T o M is a valuable resource for clinical practice which may be used to define differential profiles for specific populations.