Nice and Nasty Theory of Mind in Preschool Children: Nature and Nurture

  1. Angelica Ronald1,*,
  2. Francesca Happé1,
  3. Claire Hughes2,
  4. Robert Plomin3

Article first published online: 26 OCT 2005

DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9507.2005.00323.x

Issue

Social Development

Social Development

Volume 14, Issue 4, pages 664–684, November 2005

Additional Information

How to Cite

Ronald, A., Happé, F., Hughes, C. and Plomin, R. (2005), Nice and Nasty Theory of Mind in Preschool Children: Nature and Nurture. Social Development, 14: 664–684. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9507.2005.00323.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre, Institute of Psychiatry

  2. 2

    University of Cambridge

  3. 3

    SGDP Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, London

*Angelica Ronald, Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre, Box P083, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK. Email: a.ronald@iop.kcl.ac.uk

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 26 OCT 2005
  2. Article first published online: 26 OCT 2005

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Keywords:

  • theory of mind;
  • temperament;
  • genetics;
  • development

Abstract

Experimental research suggests the differentiation of ‘nice’ and ‘nasty’ theory of mind (ToM). Over 5000 parents from the Twins Early Development Study reported on nice (e.g., being considerate) and nasty (e.g., blaming others) behaviours following their twins’ second, third, and fourth birthdays. Factor analyses yielded four factors and it was proposed that these related to prosocial behaviour necessitating ToM (Nice ToM), antisocial behaviour necessitating ToM (Nasty ToM), and prosocial and antisocial behaviour not necessitating ToM (Nice and Nasty). Interscale correlations, gender differences, and their relationship with language were consistent with this distinction. Both ToM scales showed moderate heritability and significant environmental influences (shared and nonshared). Bivariate analyses indicated somewhat distinct aetiological influences on Nice ToM versus Nasty ToM. However, further research is needed to confirm whether this distinction reflects interactions between ToM and temperament, or two underlying genetic and cognitively distinct ToM abilities.

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