Abstract
Several studies (e.g., Perrier & Lang, 1999) have suggested a developmental link between executive functions and theory of mind. However, other recent studies (e.g., Lough, Gregory, & Hodges, 2001) have demonstrated dissociations between executive functions and theory of mind in individuals with brain damage. We report a case study of a patient who, after living in a persistent vegetative state for 6 years subsequent to contracting encephalitis at the age of 10, showed a dramatic recovery, and was of nearly normal intelligence at 20 years of age. However, he showed maladaptive social behavior. We conducted a series of experimental investigations to determine his cognitive functioning. He performed poorly on theory of mind tasks, although his scores on executive functions were in the normal range. These results suggest that executive functions can develop independently of theory of mind. Several hypotheses about relations between executive functions and theory of mind are discussed.
