Cited by 51Schizophrenia research and treatmentMental Health and PsychiatryAutism Spectrum Disorder Research

Functional Impairments and Theory of Mind Deficits in Schizophrenia: A Meta-analysis of the Associations

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Thibaudeau, Élisabeth, Cellard, Caroline, Turcotte, Mélissa, Achim, Amélie M·2021·Schizophrenia Bulletin

Abstract

Schizophrenia is associated with major functioning difficulties. Theory of mind (ToM), the ability to infer the mental states of others, is an important determinant of functioning. However, the contribution of ToM to each specific domain of functioning remains to be better understood. The objectives of this meta-analysis were to document and compare the magnitude of the associations between ToM and (1) different domains of functioning (social functioning, productive activities, and instrumental activities of daily living), each assessed separately for functional performance and functional outcome and (2) different aspects of functioning (functional performance and functional outcome) in schizophrenia. Fifty-nine studies (N = 4369) published between 1980 and May 2019 targeting patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder aged between 18 and 65 years old were included. Studies were retrieved from seven databases. Correlations were extracted from the articles, transformed into effect sizes Zr and combined as weighted and unweighted means. The strength of the associations between the domains and aspects of functioning were compared using focused tests. A moderate association was observed between ToM and all domains of functioning, with a stronger association between ToM and productive activities compared with social functioning (only for functional outcome [χ2(2) = 6.43, P = 0.040]). Regarding the different aspects of functioning, a stronger association was observed between ToM and functional performance, compared with functional outcome, for overall functioning (χ2(1) = 13.77, P < 0.001) and social functioning (χ2(1) = 18.21, P < 0.001). The results highlight a stronger association of ToM with productive activities and with functional performance, which should be considered in future studies to improve functional recovery in schizophrenia.

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Authors
Thibaudeau, É., Cellard, C., Turcotte, M., & Achim, A. M.
Affiliations
Université Laval (CA)
Corresponding author
Thibaudeau, Élisabeth
Venue
Schizophrenia Bulletin
Published
2021-01-12
Volume
47
Issue
3
Pages
695-711
ISSN
  • 0586-7614 (ISSN-L)
  • 1745-1701
OpenAlex
W3119737833
Cited by
51
References
128
Citations by year
2026: 9 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 4
FWCI
0.87
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Schizophrenia Bulletin (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Fonds de Recherche du Québec en Santé
  • Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Schizophrenia research and treatment
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Philosophy › Mental Health and Psychiatry
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Keywords
schizophrenia, theory of mind
MeSH terms
Social Cognition, Social Interaction, Functional Status, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Employment, Humans, Middle Aged, Psychotic Disorders, Schizophrenia, Young Adult, Theory of Mind

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