Publication
Title
Is theory of mind a prerequisite for social interactions? A study in psychotic disorder
Author
Abstract
Background A dominant idea is that impaired capacities for theory of mind (ToM) are the reasons for impairments in social functioning in several conditions, including autism and schizophrenia. In this paper, we present empirical evidence that challenges this influential assumption. Methods We conducted three studies examining the association between ToM and social functioning in participants diagnosed with a non-affective psychotic disorder and healthy individuals. We used both the experience sampling method, a structured diary technique collecting information in daily-life, and a standardised questionnaire to assess social functioning. Analysed data are part of Wave 1 and Wave 3 of the Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis (GROUP) study. Results Results were highly consistent across studies and showed no significant association between the two constructs. Conclusions These findings question the leading assumption that social cognition is a prerequisite for social functioning, but rather suggest that social cognition is possibly a result of basic social interactive capacities.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Psychological medicine. - London, 1970, currens
Publication
London : 2020
ISSN
0033-2917 [print]
1469-8978 [online]
DOI
10.1017/S0033291719000540
Volume/pages
50 :5 (2020) , p. 754-760
Article Reference
PII S0033291719000540
ISI
000530100200005
Pubmed ID
30919788
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 02.04.2019
Last edited 14.01.2025
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