The effects of behavioral inhibition and theory of mind on Chinese children’s socio-emotional adjustment across developmental stages

Temperament plays a crucial role in shaping children’s emotional responses and social behaviors, with behavioral inhibition (BI) predisposing children to emotional symptoms and peer problems. However, since not all BI children experience socio-emotional difficulties, we suggested that theory of mind (ToM), a crucial social cognitive capacity, may regulate the trajectory of their socio-emotional development. This study explored how BI and ToM influence socio-emotional adjustment across two developmental stages—early (age 4) and middle (age 7) childhood—in a longitudinal design ( N = 123). Children’s BI and ToM were assessed at age 4, and socio-emotional difficulties, including emotional symptoms and peer problems, were assessed via parental reports at both ages 4 and 7. The findings revealed that BI itself had a sustained impact on emotional symptoms, whereas its effect on peer problems was significant only in early childhood. In addition, ToM was found to mitigate the influence of BI on peer problems in middle childhood. These results highlight the developmental interplay between BI and ToM and underscore the importance of ToM in buffering the socio-emotional difficulties faced by BI children. The findings contribute to understanding how temperament and cognitive abilities interact to shape socio-emotional adjustment over time.