Scaling Theory of Mind in a Small-Scale Society: A Case Study From Vanuatu

Henry G. W Dixson; Aimee F Komugabe-Dixson; Barnaby J W Dixson; Juanita Low

doi:10.1111/cdev.12919

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Scaling Theory of Mind in a Small-Scale Society: A Case Study From Vanuatu

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Scaling Theory of Mind in a Small-Scale Society: A Case Study From Vanuatu

Henry G. W Dixson, Aimee F Komugabe-Dixson, Barnaby J W Dixson and Juanita Low

Child Development, Vol.89(6), pp.2157-2175

2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.12919

PMID: 28984351

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Abstract

Psychology

Psychology, Developmental

Psychology, Educational

Social Sciences

Although theory of mind (ToM) is argued to emerge between 3 and 5 years of age, data from non-Western, small-scale societies suggest diversity. Deeper investigations into these settings are warranted. In the current study, over 400 Melanesian children from Vanuatu (range = 3-14 years), growing up in either urban or rural remote environments, completed culturally tailored ToM batteries. Results show a marked delay in false belief (FB) performance, particularly among participants from rural villages. By further investigating a diverse range of concepts beyond FB, we illustrate two unique cultural sequences for a suite of mental state concepts among urban and rural ni-Vanuatu children. Implications for social and cultural influences on the development of ToM are discussed.

Details

Title: Scaling Theory of Mind in a Small-Scale Society: A Case Study From Vanuatu
Authors: Henry G. W Dixson (Corresponding Author) - Australian National University
Aimee F Komugabe-Dixson (Author) - University of Auckland
Barnaby J W Dixson (Author) - University of Queensland
Juanita Low (Author) - Victoria University of Wellington
Publication details: Child Development, Vol.89(6), pp.2157-2175
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Inc.
DOI: 10.1111/cdev.12919
ISSN: 1467-8624
PMID: 28984351
Organisation Unit: Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Psychology
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99629739202621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Psychology, Developmental; Psychology, Educational

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