Continuing & Professional Studies, Palo Alto University

This on-demand professional training program on Executive Dysfunction and Theory of Mind (ToM) Deficits in Clinical and Forensic Populations is presented by Jerrod Brown, PhD.

Executive function and theory of mind are influential cognitive capabilities in both clinical and forensic settings. Executive function includes an array of cognitive abilities such as information processing, attentional control, working memory, and self-monitoring. These abilities are essential for an individual to think abstractly, control impulses, and adapt to different social situations and environmental settings. Developing quickly during early childhood, executive function sets the stage for the emergence of other important abilities including theory of mind. Theory of mind is an individual’s capacity to understand the mental states of themselves and others. Here, mental states include thoughts, feelings, and desires. The development of theory of mind begins slowly during infancy and increases dramatically between the ages of 3 and 7. Theory of mind is essential for everything from anticipating the actions and reactions of others to establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships. Deficits in theory of mind result in a number of developmental concerns including making it difficult for a person to understand the perspectives and intentions of others. Deficits in executive function and theory of mind are particularly problematic in clinical and forensic settings. For example, individuals with such deficits are often ill-equipped to make legal decisions such as waving Miranda rights and the right to an attorney. Further, these individuals may be prone to over-confessing, suggestibility, and confabulation during interrogations and investigative interviews.