Theory of Mind among deaf people – a literature review

In recent years, the studies on the Theory of Mind have gained a wide interest. The authors of these studies try to determine the influence of various factors on the development of the competency (i.e. Theory of Mind) among children. Among the variables taken into consideration, there are disability or developmental deficits. Especially popular are studies on children with autism. Already in the 90s it was noticed, that the lack of hearing can be one of the factors which makes it harder to master the competencies of the Theory of Mind framework. Deaf children achieve mentalizing capabilities 3-4 years later compared to their peers who can hear. The current article is a review of the literature concerning the specificity of the Theory of Mind development among deaf children. The difference in the linguistic and social experiences of the children brought up in families where the parents can and cannot hear is described. It seems that the social interactions deficits are the ones responsible for the more difficult process of gaining the Theory of Mind among deaf children.