Authoritarianism in parents may hinder a key cognitive skill in their children

Authoritarianism in parents may hinder a key cognitive skill in their children

Children develop the ability to understand what others think and feel—an ability known as theory of mind—through early social interactions, especially with caregivers. A new study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Development suggests that parents’ beliefs about social hierarchy and obedience to authority may shape the development of this socio-cognitive ability. The researchers set out to explore how broader social and politi…