title: Siblings, theory of mind, and executive functioning in children aged 3-6 years: new longitudinal evidence.
abstract: Longitudinal data were obtained from 157 children aged 3 years 3 months to 5 years 6 months at Time 1. At Time 2 these children had aged an average of 12 months. Theory of mind (ToM) and executive functioning (EF) were measured at both time points. Results suggest that Time 1 ToM scores predict Time 2 EF scores. Detailed examination of sibling influences suggests that benefits-in terms of advanced ToM development-accrue to children with siblings versus without, and to those with a larger number of child-aged siblings. Any advance in either area (ToM or EF) is likely to benefit the other, and early sibling interaction appears to act as a catalyst.
authors.affiliation: Department of Advertising & Public Relations, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. annamc@msu.edu
authors.forename: Anna R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: McAlister
authors.forename: Candida C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Peterson
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001722:Birth Order / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D035781:Siblings / Q000523:psychology*; D056345:Theory of Mind / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors