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A systematic review and meta-analysis on the strange stories task to assess the mentalizing abilities of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the strange stories task to assess the mentalizing abilities of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Authors: Wali, Neha (AUTHOR), Nawaz, Sumbal (AUTHOR), Aamir, Amna (AUTHOR), Khalid, Hadia (AUTHOR)
Source: European Journal of Developmental Psychology. May2026, Vol. 23 Issue 3, p391-408. 18p.
Subjects: Mentalization, Autism spectrum disorders, Evidence synthesis, Age differences, Empathy, Theory of mind, Verbal ability
Abstract: Advanced Theory of Mind involves the ability to understand complex mental states that develop over time. Despite the growing social understanding research, the literature indicates a continued need to explore the increasing capacity for mentalization with age in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Additionally, variations in Strange Story Task (SST) use across studies may contribute to inconsistencies in ToM performance and correlations. To address this, we investigated (a) the age-based differences in mentalization through SST in ASD, and the impact of the number of mental state stories on performance (b) the correlation between performance on SST and verbal ability, with the number of mental state stories utilized as a moderator. Results show that SST with 8 mental state stories demonstrated a noticeable increase in performance with age particularly in children and adolescents, while the other number of stories exhibited modest to trivial changes. The results reveal a moderate link between SST and verbal ability in ASD. Moreover, findings underscore inconsistencies in SST use, potentially offering guidance for future application of this task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Description
Abstract:Advanced Theory of Mind involves the ability to understand complex mental states that develop over time. Despite the growing social understanding research, the literature indicates a continued need to explore the increasing capacity for mentalization with age in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Additionally, variations in Strange Story Task (SST) use across studies may contribute to inconsistencies in ToM performance and correlations. To address this, we investigated (a) the age-based differences in mentalization through SST in ASD, and the impact of the number of mental state stories on performance (b) the correlation between performance on SST and verbal ability, with the number of mental state stories utilized as a moderator. Results show that SST with 8 mental state stories demonstrated a noticeable increase in performance with age particularly in children and adolescents, while the other number of stories exhibited modest to trivial changes. The results reveal a moderate link between SST and verbal ability in ASD. Moreover, findings underscore inconsistencies in SST use, potentially offering guidance for future application of this task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:17405629
DOI:10.1080/17405629.2026.2659035