1. Objectifs

Intentions :
The aim of this study is to assess «the predictive value of ToM [theory of mind] (second order inferences), as well as other known candidates (negative symptoms and cognitive deficits) for various social functioning domains in FEP [first episode of psychosis] individuals without excluding those with comorbid substance use disorder.» (p. 2)

Questions/Hypothèses :
The authors’ «main hypothesis is that ToM will predict specific domains of social functioning more accurately than negative symptoms, working memory, verbal fluency, psychomotor speed and cognitive flexibility. [The] secondary hypothesis is that, because of the nature of the function of the ToM, which is to allows us to better communicate with those around us, areas of social functioning that require interaction with another person will be more strongly predicted by ToM than other domains of functioning (e.g. independent living skills).» (p. 2)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«The data was collected as part of a bigger study on social cognition in early psychosis and comorbid substance misuse. […] A total of 37 patients with a current diagnosis of non-affective [primary] psychotic disorder with or without a comorbid diagnosis of substances use disorder were recruited for this study. […] Patients were recruited from three first-episode psychotic outpatient clinics in the city of Montreal area, Canada.» (p. 2)

Instruments :
Questionnaires

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse statistique

3. Résumé

According to the authors, «[t]he lack of significant results for the Intimacy scale was somewhat surprising. A closer look at the data suggested a potential explanation, namely that most of the participants reported not having had a romantic encounter recently, thus reducing the variance of the observed results, especially in the frequency of the behavior subscale. A sad reality associated with psychotic disorders reported by various studies is that it is often difficult for people to meet a partner and/or maintain a long-term intimate relationship (Pillay et al., 2018). […] As for the model for predicting perceived ability dimension of the Family subscale, although not significant as a whole, ToM seems to have made a significant contribution to the predictive capacity of the model […]. As expected, this suggests that family interactions (interacting and getting along with parents and siblings) necessitate ToM abilities, and might not be as affected by the other variables in the model such as age, negative symptoms or cognitive deficits. The original model of five outcome variables was not significant for the frequency of behavior dimension of this sub-scale.» (p. 7)