Preschoolers' in-group bias promotes altruistic sharing and reduces second-party punishment: The role of theory of mind

This study examines how in-group bias affects altruistic sharing and second-party punishment in preschoolers and the role of theory of mind (ToM) in in-group bias. Preschoolers aged 4 to 7 years (N = 309; 160 girls) were asked to share resources with an in-group member and an out-group member (Dictator Game) and to reject or accept an unequal allocation proposed by an in-group member and an out-group member (Ultimatum Game). The results showed that preschoolers shared more resources with, and tolerated more unfair behaviors from, in-group members. ToM influenced the in-group bias in both altruistic sharing and second-party punishment. Notably, children's degree of in-group favoritism in altruistic sharing was positively related to the second-party punishment children imposed on out-group members. However, this pattern was found only among children who had acquired first-order ToM. This study reveals the developmental patterns of preschoolers' in-group bias in altruistic sharing and second-party punishment and the effects of ToM on in-group bias.

Autism and Religion

The disease burden of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a definitive public health challenge. The quality of life of children with ASD depends on how the cultural environment fits their special needs, including religious and spiritual factors. Does ASD predict low religiosity, and if not, what is the significance for clinical care? To answer this question, we reviewed the literature on the cognitive models of ASD and religious beliefs. We found that the cognitive models of ASD and religious beliefs substantially overlap, which is particularly important from a developmental psychological perspective. These models include Theory of Mind and intentionality, the "broken mirror" hypothesis, central coherence, and the intense world theory. We dispute the assumption that individuals with ASD are inherently less religious and spiritual than the neurotypical population. Religiosity is possibly expressed differently in ASD with unique spiritual experiences and beliefs ("gifted, visionary, and truth-seeker"). In some circumstances, a religious background can be helpful for both children with ASD and their caregivers. These circumstances should not be neglected, and clinicians are encouraged to consider patients' religious context, resources, and needs.

Escala de desarrollo armónico (EDA): Una propuesta para la evaluación clínica del desarrollo infantil desde la Teoría de Sistemas

Los profesionales de las ciencias de la salud y de la educación necesitan herramientas adecuadas para llevar a cabo la prevención de los trastornos del desarrollo infantil. La Escala de Desarrollo Armónico –EDA–, se presenta como una propuesta que permite la coordinación interdisciplinaria y la colaboración de los educadores. La escala se ha construido para observar el ascenso del paisaje epigenético individual desde el paradigma de los sistemas dinámicos. Para lograrlo, se han estudiado parámetros que pueden explicar la evolución del sistema –índice de armonía y cociente de desarrollo estable–, un mecanismo del cambio –tirón cognitivo– y fuerzas moldeadoras –velocidad y cristalización–, siguiendo el principio de «armonía» para alcanzar el máximo desarrollo potencial. La estructura de la escala es adecuada para funcionar como un test adaptativo informatizado, por lo que resulta accesible, fácil de usar y puede validarse siguiendo la metodología de respuesta al ítem –TRI–. Las cualidades «orgánicas» de la EDA permiten un funcionamiento interactivo a través de Internet –www.maternal.eu–, donde ya presta servicio a educadores, profesionales e investigadores.