Relationship between Laterality and Theory of Mind among Typical Adults – A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Theory of Mind (ToM) is a fundamental social-cognitive ability that enables individuals to comprehend the thoughts, intentions, desires, emotions, and beliefs of others, facilitating effective communication. Any behavior can be explained by laterality; hence, ToM has been extensively examined to determine hemispheric dominance. However, empirical evidence on hemispheric dominance in ToM ability is mixed, with some studies supporting right hemisphere dominance while others suggest left hemisphere dominance. To address this contradiction, the study aims to synthesize existing evidence and provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between ToM and laterality to draw a collective conclusion based on the available evidence. A systematic literature review was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases to explore the stated relationship among typical adults. The review followed PRISMA guidelines toward shortlisting 37 publications for full-text review published between 2010 and 2020. Subsequently, based on the review findings, we can conclude that a greater number of studies support the involvement of the right hemisphere in the ToM ability of typical adults. Overall, the study enhances understanding of the relationship between task domains, laterality techniques, and hemisphere dominance in ToM research, offering a foundation for future empirical work.