Social cognition from a developmental perspective: Theory of mind and emotion understanding

Abstract

This article aims to provide an initial review of the literature on the development of social-cognitive abilities. That is, the ability to understand human interactions and behaviour based on underlying mental and emotional states. With an emphasis on adaptive social relations, the importance of well-functioning social-cognitive skills is highlighted. Two central areas, namely theory of mind and emotion understanding, are introduced and key developmental milestones summarised. Theoretical accounts on the development of social cognition are outlined and discussed. The review touches briefly on precursors to childhood social-cognitive skills, atypical development in autistic and deaf children, as well as on the development of advanced social cognition during adolescence and adulthood.