The Role of Theory of Mind and Executive Function in Predicting Empathy

Empathy is a basic human capacity in communication that has emotional and cognitive components. In present study, we evaluated the role of theory of mind and executive function in predicting empathy. To this end, 150 children from primary and secondary school were selected by multi – stage cluster method from the arak city schools. In this study, for measure empathy, Eisenberg, Febs, Eskarlou questionnaire were used. For measure theory of mind, Stepman questionnaire and for measure executive functions, tower sub score of Nepsi Test were used. For the analysis data, regression and correlation analysis method was used. A) The correlation between empathy and both theory of mind and executive function were significant. B) Theory of mind and executive function were both able to predict empathy. C) Executive function could predict empathy better than theory of mind. D) Age was the best predictor of empathy. Executive function and theory of mind affect people’s empathy. Since cognitive training is one of the common methods of training, to increase people’s empathy, we can emphasize on the training variables such as executive functions and theory of mind.