Examining the role of executive functions in the relationship between subclinical autistic traits, psychotic-like experiences, and theory of mind

Theory of mind (ToM), a fundamental component of social cognition, refers to the ability to understand others' mental states, such as their emotions, thoughts, and intentions. This capacity is essential for establishing effective and meaningful social interactions in daily life. However, the literature presents conflicting findings regarding the influence of subclinical autistic traits and psychotic-like experiences on ToM abilities. The present study aimed to investigate the role of executive functions and cognitive flexibility in the relationship between subclinical autistic traits, psychotic-like experiences, and theory of mind. A total of 125 individuals (66 female, 59 male), aged between 18 and 45, participated in the study. The assessment tools used included the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE), Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC), WMS-R Digit Span Subtest, Verbal Fluency Test, Trail Making Test, Stroop Test (Çapa Form), and Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. Findings revealed a significant relationship between ToM performance and both age and educational level. Subclinical autistic traits significantly predicted hypomentalizing in adults, which may be explained by specific impairments in social cognitive functioning associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In contrast, psychotic-like experiences did not predict hypermentalizing. Additionally, executive functions and cognitive flexibility did not moderate the relationship between subclinical autistic traits and hypomentalizing. These results contribute to a better understanding of the distinct cognitive mechanisms underlying subclinical traits and their impact on social cognition.