Theory of mind (ToM)

Theory of mind is a cognitive capacity, not a molecule or receptor, describing the ability to attribute mental states such as beliefs, desires, intentions, and emotions to oneself and to others[3][4][8]. This capacity enables individuals to predict and interpret others' actions, playing a critical role in social interaction and communication[2][7]. Neural underpinnings of theory of mind involve distributed brain systems including the medial prefrontal cortex, temporoparietal junction, precuneus, posterior superior temporal sulcus, and the amygdala[3][4][5][6]. Deficits in theory of mind are observed in various neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative conditions, and performance is commonly assessed using tasks such as the "false belief" test[3][4][6]. Theory of mind is sometimes referred to as “folk psychology,” “mindreading,” or “mentalizing,” and is a major research area in cognitive science, psychology, and neuroscience[1][8]. Note: *Theory of mind* is not a therapeutic molecular target (receptor, enzyme, transporter, etc.). It is a cognitive ability or psychological construct, sometimes called ToM, not an individual biomolecule or pharmacological target[1][3][4][7][8]. The entry is incorrect for the context of a molecule/receptor.

Other names

commonsense psychologyfolk psychologynaïve psychologyintuitive psychologymindreadingmentalizing