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

Henry G.W. Dixson; Aimée F. Komugabe-Dixson; Barnaby J. Dixson; Jason Low

doi:10.1111/cdev.12919

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

Henry G.W. Dixson^*, Aimée F. Komugabe-Dixson, Barnaby J. Dixson, Jason Low

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	2157-2175
Number of pages	19
Journal	Child Development
Volume	89
Issue number	6
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.12919
Publication status	Published - 1 Nov 2018

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

abstract = "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.",

author = "Dixson, {Henry G.W.} and Komugabe-Dixson, {Aim{\'e}e F.} and Dixson, {Barnaby J.} and Jason Low",

note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2017 The Authors. Child Development {\textcopyright} 2017 Society for Research in Child Development, Inc.",

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AU - Dixson, Barnaby J.

AU - Low, Jason

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

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