A longitudinal study of children’s theory of mind, self-concept, and perceptions of humor in self and other

Longitudinal relationships among theory of mind (ToM) understanding, self-perceptions, and perceptions of humor were explored in 28 school-aged children. Theory of mind, perceptions of self, and of humor in self and other were assessed at Time 1 and 2 years later at Time 2. Longitudinal findings showed significant correlations between T2 humor-self and T1 physical-self (r = -.469, p = .012; T1 humor-self r = -.165, ns), whereas no relationships were found in other directions (T2 physical-self and T1 humor-self, r = -.153, ns; T2 physical-self and T2 humor-self, r =.269, ns). Implications for socioemotional and cognitive development are discussed.