The Relationship between Theory of Mind and Literature Reading among Middle School Students: A Cross Lagged Study

To explore the relationship between Theory of Mind(ToM) and literature reading among middle school students in China. A six month follow-up survey was conducted using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test(RMET), the emotional intelligence scale, the personality trait questionnaire for middle school students and literature reading tests. After controlling for emotional intelligence and personality traits, the results found that: (1) There was a significant predictive effect between ToM and literature reading for junior middle school students. Among them, T 1 ToM significantly predicted T 2 score, T 1 score significantly predicted T 2 ToM. (2) There was a significant predictive effect between ToM and literature reading for senior middle school students. Among them, T 1 ToM significantly predicted T 2 score, T 1 score significantly predicted T 2 ToM. Conclusion: (1)There is a significant predictive effect between ToM and literature reading among middle school students in China; (2)ToM and literature reading are a mutually reinforcing development process among middle school students.