The development of theory of mind in deaf people

Several authors claim that deaf children with hearing parents do not' develop theory of
mind (ToM) until adolescence, but this is largely based on false-belief studies. Peterson
& Siegal's (2000) review of false-belief studies is updated and the section also reviews
research using a wider range of methodologies with deaf children and adults. Deaf
children have difficulties in false-belief, perspective-taking and emotional
responses/reactions, but these skills may develop later. In contrast, deaf children do not
appear to have deficits in mental-state attribution or emotional recognition. More
research with deaf adults is needed.
Section II: Research Report
This study explores whether Deaf adults have impairments in ToM and empathy
compared to hearing adults, and if Deaf forensic patients have further impairments.
Tests were adapted and translated for the purpose of the study. The Deaf community
scored lower than the hearing community on the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test and
produced fewer mental states. The Deaf forensic group was too small for reliable
statistical analysis. Deafpeople may continue to have ToM impairments into adulthood,
but the results could be due to methodological, linguistic and social factors.
Assessments must be developed specifically for use with Deaf populations rather than
relying on interpreted measures.
Section III: Critical Appraisal
This section gives a commentary, and personal reflections, on the project. The
challenges faced during the progression through the thesis and of researching within the
Deaf culture are explored. Methodological problems, clinical implications and areas for
further research are discussed and key learning points are identified.