Theory of mind performance in depression: A meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Theory of mind (ToM) is a social-cognitive skill that involves the ability to understand the thoughts and feelings of others. Evidence is mixed regarding the extent of ToM ability in individuals with depression.

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis of 43 studies to investigate the strength of the association between ToM and depression.

Results

Results indicated significant, small- to moderate impairment in ToM with a medium overall effect size (g = -0.398) in individuals with depression. Moderator analyses compared effect sizes across groups for the following variables: ToM content, process, and sample type. Additionally, meta-regression analyses tested age and gender as continuous moderators.

Limitations

The cross-sectional nature of included studie

SUBMITTER: Nestor BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8961451 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature