Theory of Mind

The cognitive ability to attribute mental states—beliefs, intentions, desires, emotions, knowledge—to oneself and others, and to understand that others may have mental states different from one's own. Theory of Mind deficits are associated with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, contributing to difficulties in social interaction, understanding sarcasm or deception, and predicting others' behavior. In accessibility contexts, understanding ToM impairments helps explain why some users may struggle with interfaces that rely on implied meaning, social conventions, or perspective-taking.