Examining the relationship between Theory of Mind functions and emotional and mindful awareness in schizophrenia patients

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between the Theory of Mind functions and the emotional and mindful awareness of schizophrenia patients. The sample of the study consisted of 118 schizophrenia patients who were attending the Community Mental Health Center. The data were collected with the Sociodemographic Data Form, Dokuz Eylül Theory of Mind Scale (DETMS), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), and Mindful Awareness Scale (MAAS). As well as demographic analysis, Pearson Correlation Analysis, and Regression Analysis were used to analyze the study data. The schizophrenia patients received 4.86 ± 2.66 points from DETMS, 51.89 ± 14.29 points from MAAS, and 57.91 ± 12.37 points from TAS. A significant relationship was detected between DETMS, MAAS, and TAS total scores (p < 0.05). As the DETMS score increased, the TAS score decreased and the MAAS score increased. It was found that the TAS score was an effective predictor of Theory of Mind, but the MAAS score was not a significant predictor of Theory of Mind (R = 0.310, R2adjusted = 0.080, F(2.115) = 6.102; p = 0.003). The TAS score explained 8 % of the variation in the Theory of Mind. As a result of the study, it was found that the Theory of Mind functions of schizophrenia patients were at low levels, half of the patients had alexithymia, and their mindful awareness levels were close to the average. It can be argued that emotional awareness is an effective variable in the Theory of Mind. As individuals' Theory of Mind functions increase, their alexithymia levels decrease and mindful awareness increases.