Examining the relationship between theory of mind and executive functions with the structural equation model

The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between theory of mind, executive functions, social intelligence and emotional intelligence. The participant group of the research consists of 62 students, 36 female and 26 male, between the ages of 18-25, studying at various departments at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University. The average age of the participants is 21.98. In the study, Dokuz Eylül Theory of Mind Index (DEToMI) and Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) were used for theory of mind skills. Stroop Test TBAG Form (STR), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), Wechsler Memory Scale Letter-Number Sequencing Subtest III ve Wechsler Intelligence Scale IV-Matrix Reasoning Subtest was used for executive functions. In addition, Tromso Social Intelligence Scale, Rotterdam Emotional Intelligence Scale and Beck Depression Scale were used. Obtained data were analyzed with Independent Samples t-Test, Mann-Whitney U Test, Pearson and Spearman Correlation Analysis and Structural Equation Model. According to the results of the analysis, there is no significant difference in theory of mind by gender. At the same time, no relationship was found between theory of mind tests and WCST, but a relationship was found with Wechsler Memory Scale Letter-Number Sequencing Subtest III and Wechsler Intelligence Scale IV-Matrix Reasoning Subtest. STR was associated with DEToMI, but not with RMET. A relationship was found between theory of mind tests and IGT in terms of some scores. According to the results of the Structural Equation Model, working memory and reasoning significantly predict RMET. Selective attention and decision making significantly predict DEToMI. In addition, working memory, reasoning and decision making significantly predict theory of mind. There is a relationship between theory of mind and social intelligence and emotional intelligence. The findings were discussed with the literature and the limitations of the study and suggestions for new studies were included.