title: Meta-Analysis of Theory of Mind and Peer Popularity in the Preschool and Early School Years.
abstract: It has been argued that children who possess an advanced theory of mind (ToM) are viewed positively by their peers, but the empirical findings are mixed. This meta-analysis of 20 studies including 2,096 children (aged from 2 years, 8 months to 10 years) revealed a significant overall association (r = .19) indicating that children with higher ToM scores were also more popular in their peer group. The effect did not vary with age. The effect was weaker for boys (r = .12) compared to girls (r = .30). ToM was more strongly associated with popularity (r = .23) than with rejection (r = .13). These findings confirm that ToM development has significant implications for children's peer relationships.
authors: University of Queensland.
authors: Virginia
authors: V
authors: Slaughter
authors: University of Queensland.
authors: Kana
authors: K
authors: Imuta
authors: University of Queensland.
authors: Candida C
authors: CC
authors: Peterson
authors: University of Queensland.
authors: Julie D
authors: JD
authors: Henry