Theory of mind in normal and orphaned children: its relationship with age and intelligence

Introduction:  Theory of mind refers to the ability to predict and document mental states to oneself and to others the purpose of this study was to compare the theory of mind in normal and orphaned children 3 to 6 years old and determine its relationship with age and intelligence. Method: This study is a causal-comparative study. The study population included all normal and orphaned children in Kermanshah. The sample consisted of 101 normal and orphaned children who attended in orphanages and kindergartens in 2017-2018 and were selected by multistage cluster sampling. Unexpected content and unexpected transfer tasks were used to assess the theory of mind and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale (preschool form) was used to assess intelligence. Results: there is a statistically significant difference between normal and orphaned children in achieving the theory of mind (p<0/05). The findings also showed that there is a significant relationship between age and attainment of theory of mind (p<0/05). In addition, there was a significant relationship between unexpected transfer and intelligence (p<0/05), while no significant relationship was observed between intelligence and unexpected content (p>0/05). Conclusion: Based on these findings, it can be said that there is a difference in the theory of mind between normal and orphaned children. Therefore, socialization and related concepts should be given more attention in the orphanages.