Theory of mind as a mediator between executive functions and future-oriented thinking in adult teacher candidates of Science in Saudi Arabia

In this study, the focus is on theory of mind as a mediator variable in the relationship between executive functions and future-oriented thinking. Participants were 320 adultteacher candidates of Science in Saudi Arabia (48.43% female, N = 155; 51.56% male, N = 165; aged 20 to 24 years, M age = 21.50, SD = 0.98). Participant selection was based on availability and access to the sample. The research falls within the post-positivist paradigm, employing a quantitative approach, and a descriptive, correlational, and mediation analysis scope. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the correlation between theory of mind, executive functions and future-oriented thinking. The results showed that thinking about the future can have a significant correlation with the executive functions of adult teacher candidates of Science in Saudi Arabia. The results also showed that theory of mind correlates positively with executive functions. This foresight correlates his/her ToM, and they can predict and understand themselves and the mental states of others. Since EFs are a higher cognitive and metacognitive ability, higher levels of ToM can be associated with EFs.