ERIC Number: EJ1455076
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1740-5629
EISSN: EISSN-1740-5610
Theory of Mind and Academic Self-Concept in Early Adolescence: The Role of Gender
Natalie Christner; Sandra Bosacki
European Journal of Developmental Psychology, v22 n1 p35-56 2025
Theory of Mind (ToM), a central feature of social cognition, impacts social functioning and academic competencies. Yet, the interplay of ToM and self-concept in academic context remains unknown. This study examines how ToM shapes adolescents' academic self-concept and its association with academic competence, while considering the role of gender in these dynamics. The results show that 12-year-olds' academic self-concept aligns with their parents' perceptions of their academic competence for girls and boys. ToM relates to academic self-concept specifically for girls. Moreover, academic self-concept mediates the associations between ToM and academic competence in girls. Explorative analyses on the role of family context for ToM showed no association between the number of siblings and ToM. These results support constructivist theories that suggest that self and mind development are rooted in interpersonal experiences within a social context. This study enhances a nuanced understanding of the link between social cognition and academic achievement in adolescence, highlighting gender differences in these processes.
Descriptors: Theory of Mind, Self Concept, Gender Differences, Academic Achievement, Social Cognition, Correlation, Family Size, Interpersonal Relationship, Social Environment, Sibling Relationship, Task Analysis, Empathy, Role Perception, Adolescents, Measurement Techniques
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Data File: URL: https://osf.io/vmchu/