Theory of mind (ToM) is the ability to understand the intentions, beliefs, and feelings of others.
Typically developing children usually develop ToM by age four.
People who have schizophrenia or autism have an impaired ToM.
Do you feel like this is true about you? It’s definitely true about me, but it took me awhile to realize it was.
I have trouble interpreting people’s facial expressions.
Definitely true when having symptoms ie psychosis, but don’t feel my theory of mind is impaired when I’m on meds.
Before I had sz I think I was better at understanding people’s minds. Now I just see que of disliking ame and negative stuff. My view of people is very distorted
I don’t have that problem, I’m pretty good in that area.
I think I have issues with it for sure— I have trouble understanding people unless they basically spell things out for me.
I don’t have this issue unless I’m psychotic
I’m usually pretty good at reading others
I believe I understand people’s intentions, beliefs and feelings very well. That said, I sometimes make mistakes.
Do you think you understand your cats’ feelings? If so, how do you do it? Body language? Meows? When we interact with our pets in a positive way, our body releases a hormone called oxytocin, which is associated with feelings of trust, empathy, and social bonding.
I would think that ToM will improve with social interaction. However, if you have social anxiety, and I don’t know if you do or not, this presents a challenge.
I hope your ToM improves with practice and time.
I’ve not heard of ToM before, it sounds similar to emotional intelligence. But yeh I definitely struggle with this.
I’m definitely effected in this regard. I know before schizophrenia I would follow people’s thoughts easier. Nowadays I know what they’re saying kinda but I’m not connected to what their mind is doing. Kinda like I don’t recognize that kind of thought process or that way of thinking.