Theory of Mind, Autistic Traits, and Prosocial Behavior in 2-6 Year-Old Children

• In Event: Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: PS 14 Topic - Developmental Psychopathology

Abstract

A recent study found empathy mediates the association between autistic traits and prosocial behavior in adults (Zhao et al., 2019), but potential mediators underlying these associations in young children are unknown. While theory of mind (ToM) is critical for prosocial behavior development based on Hoffman’s theoretical model (Hoffman, 2001), previous work has been limited in its ability to test this in young children because of methodological limitations in assessing early ToM on a continuum. Indeed, a limitation of prior work is the fact that ToM was often conceptualized as a competence to be acquired, rather than a parametric outcome. Moreover, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consistently show lower rates of prosocial behavior compared to typically developing children (Dunfield et al., 2019), but few studies have examined reasons having more autistic traits is associated with engaging in fewer prosocial behaviors. The present study examined associations between autistic traits, early mental state understanding, and prosocial behavior, among 210 typically developing toddlers between the ages of 2- to 6-years-old. We examined variability in prosocial behavior (Preschool-Aged Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), autistic traits (Video-Referenced Rating of Reciprocal Social Behavior), early mental state understanding (Children’s Social Understanding Scale [CSUS]) among a cross-sectional sample of 210 typically developing toddlers between the ages of 2- to 6-years-old. We utilized a mediation approach with significance based on 95% confidence intervals calculated using the bias corrected bootstrap with 1,000 samples as recommended by Preacher and Hayes (2008). Early mental state understanding was found to partially mediate the association between autistic traits and prosocial behavior, above and beyond the influence of sex and age (see Figure 1). Although future longitudinal work is needed, our findings suggest that early mental state understanding may be an especially important social cognitive skill underlying the development of prosocial behavior and the association between more autistic traits and less prosocial behavior in young children.

Authors

• Melody Rose Altschuler, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
  Presenting Author

• Isabella Chask'a Stallworthy, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
  Non-Presenting Author

• Jed T. Elison, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
  Non-Presenting Author