Evaluation of ToM (intentionality) in primary school children using movement shape paradigm

Abstract The ability to understand others’ mental states is called theory of mind (ToM). One of the main aspects of ToM is intentionality, which refers to people's intention in their behaviours. The aim of this study was to evaluate intentionality in a community sample of Iranian primary school children. One hundred boys of ages 7 to 9 without any mental disorders participated in this study. All participants were assessed using Moving Shapes Paradigm. Children's descriptions were rated in accordance to the accuracy of their answers, use of mental states, emotional words, and length of phrases. Iranian children used descriptions which were similar to children's in other countries.