Theory-of-mind abilities and externalizing symptoms in late childhood: the role of maladaptive coping strategies

Past studies show connections between children’s Theory-of-Mind (ToM) abilities and externalizing symptoms. Although studies show grade-school children with lower ToM abilities exhibit more conduct problems and less prosocial behaviors, few studies explore these connections in late childhood. The aim of the present study was to test the role of maladaptive coping strategies as a mediator of the link between ToM skills and externalizing symptoms in middle to late childhood. A sample of 455 Italian students (246 boys) participated in this short-term longitudinal study (Mage = 10.81 years, SD = 1.78 years). At Time 1 (start of the school year) and at Time 2 (four months later), students completed a ToM test, and self-reported about their coping strategies, while teachers evaluated students’ externalizing symptoms. Results showed ToM skills, externalizing coping strategies, and externalizing behaviors were significantly linked - concurrently and over time. Hayes’ PROCESS mediation tool showed that ToM skills were negatively associated with externalizing symptoms both directly and indirectly, through the partial mediation of externalizing coping strategies. These results have implications for educational programs that promote children’s ToM and their adaptive coping skills. Specifically, children with ToM challenges who are already at risk of showing higher externalizing symptoms over time should be especially targeted by specific interventions aimed to improve ToM and adaptive coping.