The Relationship between Future Thinking and Theory of Mind with Executive Functions in Preschool Children

Articles in Press

Document Type : Scientific- research

Authors

1 M.Sc in Educational Psychology, Department of Psychology, Khoramabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khoramabad, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Khoramabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khoramabad, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: The present study aims to done investigate the relationship between future thinking and theory of mind with executive functions in preschool children. Materials & Methods: The research method was applied and it was descriptive-correlational type. The statistical population of this research was all preschool children studying in Golha and Avin preschool in Khorramabad city in the academic year of 1400-1401. The according convenience sampling method, 150 people by formula Tabachnick and et al (2007) of was selected as samples and they were asked to fill in behavior rating inventory of executive Function of Gioia and et al (2015), children’s future thinking questionnaire of Mazachowsky & Mahy (2020) an d theory of mind test of Steerneman (1999). After collection of questionnaires, collected data was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate regression analysis. Discussion & Result: The results showed that there is positive and significant correlation between implicit beliefs of intelligence, academic achievement goals, and academic self-efficacy with executive functions (p <0.01). Regression analyses also revealed that %58/5 of variance of executive functions was explained by future thinking and theory of mind. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that future thinking and theory of mind can predict the executive functions of Golha and Avin preschool.
Keywords: Future Thinking, Theory of Mind, Executive Functions, Preschool Children.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction
The implementation functions of the umbrella are used for numerous cognitive processes, including planning, memory, attention, inhibition and self -regulation, which are controlled by the frontal lobe area of ​​the forehead lobe in the brain. In other words, executive functions have been defined as a kind of cognitive skills that control children's behavior and thinking and include two components of behavioral and metacognitive adaptation (Menon & D’Esposito, 2022). Among the variables that can be associated with executive functions is the thinking about the future in children (Blankenship and et al, 2018). Prosocy is a set of cognitive abilities. This includes predicting possible future modes and needs (Sadeghi and et al, 2022). Another factor related to the executive functions of the mind theory is based on the research background that the theory of the mind can predict the executive functions of children (Fujita and et al, 2022; Andreou and et al, 2020; Tanha & Jalili, 2019). On the other hand, it can be said that executive functions are expanding from childhood and these functions play a key role in children's development (Rodriguez-Gomez & Talero-Gutiérrez, 2022) and skills that help the child to important aspects. Pay attention to the task and plan to finish it (Faja and et al, 2022). Therefore, conducting a study that can lead to the factors affecting the functions of preschool children is of great importance and necessity. The results of this study can be used in kindergartens, preschools, elementary schools, and other rehabilitation and rehabilitation centers. Therefore, the Education Organization is one of the beneficiaries of this study and can use the results of this study in the field of preschool empowerment. Therefore, the question has answered the question of whether there is a relationship between thinking about the future and the theory of mind and executive functions in preschool children.
Materials and methods
The research method was applied and it was descriptive-correlational type. The statistical population of this research was all preschool children studying in Golha and Avin preschool in Khorramabad city in the academic year of 1400-1401. The according convenience sampling method, 150 people by formula Tabachnick and et al (2007) of was selected as samples and they were asked to fill in behavior rating inventory of executive Function of Gioia and et al (2015), children’s future thinking questionnaire of Mazachowsky & Mahy (2020) an d theory of mind test of Steerneman (1999). After collection of questionnaires, collected data was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate regression analysis.
Discussion & Result
In explaining the role of the future thinking on executive functions, it can be said that people who have the power to think about the future or foresight on the issues have a clear picture of various topics ahead. These people will have a high executive function by expanding their view over time. The forward -looking person can achieve widespread and comprehensive progress in executive functions, taking into accounts the time and then looking at the future. These factors are important factors in achieving goals and thinking about the issues ahead. Given what has been said, it can be reasonable that there is a relationship between thinking about the future and executive functions in preschool children. Also, in explaining the role of the theory of the mind, it can be said that the theory of the mind increases the performance of the person by increasing one's ability to perform cognitive processes, which in turn improves one's performance in executive functions. There seems to be a significant overlap between executive functions and mind theory. The issue of attention, concentration, information processing, problem solving, inhibition, decision -making and many concepts of executive functions are remarkable in mind theory, and when the theory of theory improves the theory of mind museums, the result is the result. It can be seen in promoting one's performance in various activities. Therefore, since executive functions are a higher cognitive and metacognitive ability, the teaching of mind theory can lead to improving executive functions (Ghorbani & Jabbari, 2018). Given what has been said, it can be reasonably concluded that there is a relationship between mind theory and executive functions in preschool children.
Conclusion
Introduction: The present study aims to done investigate the relationship between future thinking and theory of mind with executive functions in preschool children. Therefore, it can be concluded that future thinking and theory of mind can predict the executive functions of Golha and Avin preschool. The results of this study can use educators and educational psychologists working in preschool centers. It is also recommended to educators and kindergartens and preschool centers to examine preschool children upon arrival with the standard questionnaires of these children's executive functions, and if they are weak and defective in executive functions, help them teach them the theory of mind. Therefore, it is suggested that mind theory intervention training be performed on children with implementing functions, and given the effectiveness of mind theory's intervention on children's mental abilities, it is suggested that the use and training of these interventions in educational centers of these children is suggested by educational professionals. And provide education.
 
 
 
 

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References

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Available Online from 07 October 2024

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