The Effectiveness of Theory of Mind Training on Empathy and Bullying in Children

The aim of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of the theory of mind training on empathy and bullying in children.
The research design of the study was of Full-experimental type with pretest-posttest by control group. 36 preschool girls in Tehran were selected by convenience sampling. The random sample of 18 students in the experimental group and the control group were 18 children and their mothers were taken pre-test. The meetings theory of mind were applied on experimental group and both mother groups were taken posttest. The instruments used in this study were Empathy Questioner (EQ) and Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire Revised (OB/VQ-R).Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance.
Results showed a significant increase in the mean scores empathy and a significant decrease in subscales of bullying (001 / ≥p) scores of the experimental group compared to the control group.
This study showed that theory of mind training sessions can improve empathy and reduce bullying behaviors in children. So, theory of mind on moral emotions increase and improve behavior and social skills in children is effective.