Factorial Validity of the Theory of Mind Inventory-2 in Typically Developing Children

J Autism Dev Disord. 2023 Jan;53(1):310-318. doi: 10.1007/s10803-022-05426-0. Epub 2022 Jan 13.

Abstract

The Theory of Mind Inventory-2 (ToMI-2) is a promising measure for assessing theory of mind (ToM) and social-related functions. However, limited evidence on its factorial validity hampers score interpretation. To examine the factorial validity, confirmatory factor analysis for two currently-available structures was performed in 420 typically developing children aged three to seven years. One, the development-based structure, contains three stages of ToM development: the early, basic, and advanced ToM stages. The other, the social-related structure, comprises three social-related ToM functions: emotion recognition, mental state term comprehension, and pragmatics. The results showed that these structures and the unidimensionality of each domain were not supported even after modifications. Thus, further revisions and examinations of the underlying structures of the ToMI-2 are needed.

Keywords: Confirmatory factor analysis; Construct validity; Psychometric properties; Theory of mind; Typically developing children.

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder*
  • Child
  • Child Development
  • Comprehension
  • Emotions
  • Humans
  • Theory of Mind*