The impact of bilingualism on theory of mind in children with and without developmental disorders: A scoping review

IF 5.7 1区心理学 Q1 PSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENTAL Developmental Review Pub Date : 2025-02-03 DOI:10.1016/j.dr.2025.101186

Franziska Baumeister , Dafni Vaia Bagioka , Laura Rivoletti , Stephanie Durrleman

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Abstract

Findings across studies investigating the impact of bilingualism on Theory of Mind (ToM) in children have been mixed, potentially due to methodological differences, including variations in the characterization of bilingualism. At the same time, researchers express the need to take into account the heterogeneity of bilingualism by measuring it in a continuous manner.

This scoping review aimed to explore how previous research identifies important bilingualism variables for future studies on its effects on ToM in children with and without developmental disorders. It analysed the studies’ ‘reasoning frameworks’ to assess these insights. Bilingualism is suggested to influence ToM directly or via factors like executive functioning or metalinguistic awareness. Of 37 studies analysed, few fully tested these hypotheses. Those reporting positive outcomes often involved bilinguals with significant language exposure, supporting the idea that bilingualism impacts ToM, particularly when exposure is considered.

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来源期刊

Developmental Review PSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENTAL-

CiteScore

11.00

自引率

3.00%

发文量

审稿时长

51 days

期刊介绍： Presenting research that bears on important conceptual issues in developmental psychology, Developmental Review: Perspectives in Behavior and Cognition provides child and developmental, child clinical, and educational psychologists with authoritative articles that reflect current thinking and cover significant scientific developments. The journal emphasizes human developmental processes and gives particular attention to issues relevant to child developmental psychology. The research concerns issues with important implications for the fields of pediatrics, psychiatry, and education, and increases the understanding of socialization processes.