The investigation of understanding deception as a phenomenon of the theory of mind in adults by using narratives

Abstract

Age and gender differences of understanding deception in adults were investigated within the framework of the theory of mind. Narratives specially developed for the purposes of the investigation were used. Six groups with equal numbers of men and women (aged 17–22, 25–30 and 35–45; a total of 150 subjects) were analyzed. Gender differences and changes in understanding deception with age (from absolute and clear understanding to more sophisticated, complex and differentiated one) were identified.