The psychological Self and advanced theory of mind in adolescence

A short-term longitudinal study explored the relation between the psychological understanding of self (the psychological self, PS) and other people (advanced theory of mind, aToM) during adolescence. Two hundred and one early and middle adolescents were tested twice (separated by a one-year break) with self- and other-under- standing measures. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Compared to early adolescents, middle adolescents scored higher on PS and aToM and their scores on PS and aToM increased over the course of one year. In both age groups, PS and aToM were positively related, and for early adolescents, the initial level of aToM predicted the growth of PS. Thefindings are discussed within the context of developmental research.