Development of Theory of Mind in Mentally Retarded Students and its Relation with the Number of the Siblings

The purpose of this study was to investigate development of the theory of mind (TOM) of mentally retarded students and its relationship with the number of siblings. This descriptive study was in correlation determination type, the total number of 8-14 years old mentally retarded students (59 people) who were studying in 1st to 5th degree of primary school in Mee’aad education center of Torbat-e Heidarieh (the only male education center of Torbat-e Heidarieh) in academic year 2008-09 participated. To collect data of theory of mind (TOM) Unexpected-content task and 38-item test of theory of mind were used. In order to analyze data, ANOVA, Scheffe, Pearson correlation coefficient and Chi- square were carried out. The first and second level of the evolution theory of mind of the mentally retarded students ascending to 12 years (P<0.001) and then fixed (P=0.87). But that theory of mind development which was measured by Unexpected-content task, was ascending (P=0.02). Also, the number of siblings was not statistically significantly correlated with theory of mind development of mentally retarded students (P=0.52). Theory of mind development of mental retarded students varies based on that type of task being used to assess. In total, the claim of Theory-Theory approach, that says theory of mind development is on the basis of necessary processes, could be accepted. Also those theories which are based on cultural-social approaches calming that experience with other people causes development of mind understanding need to be more examined.