Development of Cerebral Pathways of "Theory of Mind"

The term “Theory of Mind” refers to the ability to explain and predicts other people’s behavior by attributing them independent mental states. From behavioral studies it is well known that children between 4 and 6 years develop a full and explicit awareness of mental states and use this information in the explanation and prediction of other people’s behavior. Several fMRI studies have been undertaken to isolate the neural substrate of mentalizing abilities in adults and they could consistently demonstrate that this ability is mediated by highly circumscribed brain regions: the temporal poles, the superior temporal sulcus and the medial prefrontal cortex.

We will focus on the significant behavioral changes on Theory of Mind task in children between 4 and 6 years. The ability to make the mentalizing system visible before and after the reported behavioral changes in task performance, will help to understand the neural basis of these developmental changes in mentalizing. The investigation of the normal neuronal development of mentalizing will consequently allow identification of early dysfunction in autism and other mentalizing related disorders.

Methods

• MR: 3T scanner, fMRI
• Paradigm: Stone-Paper-Scissors Game
• Subjects: healthy children (4-6 years)

Contacts

Mengia Dosch , lic. phil
mengia.doschkispi.uzh.ch

Dr. rer. nat. Thomas Loenneker
thomas.loennekerkispi.uzh.ch

Funding Source

MR-Center, University Children’s Hospital

Duration

August 2005 - July 2007

Last Update

10.10.2005

Responsible