The Mind-Mindedness: Is It a Construct that Shapes Theory of Mind?

Authors : İlknur Çoban, F. Cansu Pala

Pages : 39-50

Doi:10.30613/curesosc.1521746

View : 85 | Download : 155

Publication Date : 2025-05-31

Article Type : Review Paper

Abstract :Mind-mindedness refers to the caregivers’ ability to be sensitive to the cognitive and emotional states of their children. It may also pertain to the extent to which caregivers are able to accurately perceive the behavior of their infants and children. Mind-mindedness is operationalized through the assessment of remarks made by individuals regarding the behavior of infants, distinguishing between those that are pertinent and those that are not. In that context, infants’ comprehension, and engagement with their environment through their caregivers is the basis for their cognitive development. It is widely reported that the mind-mindedness of caregivers, especially of mothers is positively correlated with children’s cognitive abilities such as linguistic abilities, symbolic play, executive functions, and/or theory of mind. In this review paper, it is aimed to provide a summary of the definition and the measurement of mind-mindedness within the scope of recent studies focusing theory of mind and cognitive development of children. Since the concept has not been examined vastly in diverse cultural contexts yet, and it is not as popular as it should be among the social scientists and practitioners, it is vital to be aware of this relatively new construct.
Keywords : Zihin-Yönelimliliği, Zihin Kuramı, Annelik, Bebeklik Dönemi, Bilişsel Gelişim

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