Disentangling the relations of theory of mind, executive function and conduct problems

Deficits in inferring others' mental states, that is, theory of mind (ToM), and in regulating one's behavior, relating to executive function (EF), are risk factors for conduct problems in childhood, but these interrelations have scarcely been examined while simultaneously controlling for ADHD symptoms. This study assessed EF (inhibition, working memory updating, set shifting) as well as ToM (affective, cognitive) behaviorally and examined their direct and indirect cross-sectional relations to parent-rated conduct problems (CBCL) in 9- to 13-year-old children in a community sample (N = 1501). In structural-equation models, all paths were controlled for parent-rated ADHD symptoms (SDQ). Main results were a direct negative path from (affective) ToM to conduct problems, a direct positive path from EF to ToM, and an indirect negative path from EF via (affective) ToM to conduct problems. Therefore, fostering (affective) ToM combined with EF appears suitable to prevent conduct problems in children. •Lower theory of mind (ToM), controlled for executive function, predicts conduct problems.•Lower affective, but not cognitive, ToM predicts children's conduct problems.•9-to 13-year-olds with lower executive function show lower ToM scores.•Lower executive function only indirectly linked to childhood conduct problems via ToM.•Associations between cognitive skills and conduct problems controlled for ADHD traits.