Theory of Mind is the state of being aware of the mental processes of others, based on one's own mental state such as perceptions, desires, and emotions.
Understanding one's own feelings and thoughts, trying to understand, predict and explain other people's thoughts, feelings and words, and even being able to manipulate (persuade, manipulate, lie, etc.) are among the skills that need to be developed in early childhood. Children thus gain early understanding of the difference between physical reality and mental representation.
Being able to speculate about the thoughts, feelings and intentions of others provides insight into the behaviors they may encounter.
Cognitive and emotional development, language skills, symbolic play skills, parent-child, sibling, friend and peer relationships are supported to enable the acquisition of "Theory of Mind" skills in early childhood. These skills turn into permanent behavioral models with the maturation of cognitive and social development in direct proportion to age.
The ability to understand that other individuals have different desires, perceptions and intentions, the mental states learned during the development process, and the ability to avoid egocentrism. With the ability to move away and describe the events around oneself, theory of mind development begins in early childhood and continues to develop throughout childhood.
As in all areas of development, there are individual differences in the development of theory of mind. Children with autism have difficulty in developing theory of mind.
Children who grow up in an environment where they can easily express their emotions are more successful in skills related to theory of mind.
With age, perceptions, emotions and desires change from simple to complex. proceeds correctly. A child who is aware of his own desires can make progress when he understands that the wishes of others are different from his own.
A child who tries to get someone else to eat a food he does not like by saying "hmm, it is delicious" at a young age develops the ability to easily say that he does not like and does not want to eat it, as he grows up.
Distinguishes the difference between emotions at a young age, can say "my mother is very sad", with advancing age At some point, she realizes that her mother can be both sad and happy in the same situation. At the same time, he reaches a level where he can comment on the thoughts of others.
The effect of theory of mind is also seen in the development of executive function skills such as organization, planning and inhibition, which are important for flexible and forward-looking behaviors.
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