Theory of mind tasks and executive functions: a systematic review of group studies in neurology

Article Article scientifique Article Theory of mind tasks and executive functions: a systematic review of group studies in neurology eng 2011 author Aboulafia Brakha Tatiana 683594 author Christe Blaise Charles 85257 author Martory Marie-Dominique 46100 author Annoni Gian-Maria 133986 39-55 10.1348/174866410X533660 21366886 1748-6645 A growing number of studies have been addressing the relationship between theory of mind (TOM) and executive functions (EF) in patients with acquired neurological pathology. In order to provide a global overview on the main findings, we conducted a systematic review on group studies where we aimed to (1) evaluate the patterns of impaired and preserved abilities of both TOM and EF in groups of patients with acquired neurological pathology and (2) investigate the existence of particular relations between different EF domains and TOM tasks. The search was conducted in Pubmed/Medline. A total of 24 articles met the inclusion criteria. We considered for analysis classical clinically accepted TOM tasks (first- and second-order false belief stories, the Faux Pas test, Happe's stories, the Mind in the Eyes task, and Cartoon's tasks) and EF domains (updating, shifting, inhibition, and access). The review suggests that (1) EF and TOM appear tightly associated. However, the few dissociations observed suggest they cannot be reduced to a single function; (2) no executive subprocess could be specifically associated with TOM performances; (3) the first-order false belief task and the Happe's story task seem to be less sensitive to neurological pathologies and less associated to EF. Even though the analysis of the reviewed studies demonstrates a close relationship between TOM and EF in patients with acquired neurological pathology, the nature of this relationship must be further investigated. Studies investigating ecological consequences of TOM and EF deficits, and intervention researches may bring further contributions to this question. Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/etiology Executive Function/physiology Humans Nervous System Diseases/complications Neurology Neuropsychological Tests Theory of Mind/physiology Dewey 616.8 61 Département des neurosciences cliniques 226 false Journal of neuropsychology 5 Pt 1 e5bea141-a842-4e7a-b461-6332198ecbeb Article (Published version) Restricted Aboulafia-Brakha_et_al-2011-Journal_of_Neuropsychology.pdf 472256 application/pdf restrictedAccess Faculté de médecine / Section de médecine clinique / Département des neurosciences cliniques

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Theory of mind tasks and executive functions: a systematic review of group studies in neurology	Journal of neuropsychology			2011	485	2

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Christe, Blaise Charles