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The goal of the present study was to explore the relation between the presence of a companion animal and maternal use of mind-related language, which has been associated with the development of theory of mind and empathy in children. In order to investigate this intersection, a sample of 19 mothers and their children each participated in two, five-minute, filmed free-play interactions, conducted ... read morein a laboratory playroom, one of which also included the family dog. The films were then coded for maternal use of mind-related language. Although rates of maternal use of mind-related language did not differ significantly based on whether the dogs were present or absent, mothers did use mind-related language to refer to their dogs. Findings suggest that involvement with a dog, rather than simply the presence of a dog, may be associated with differences in maternal use of mind-related language. The results of this exploratory study point to the need for continued investigation of the relation between interaction with companion animals and maternal use of mind-related language, with particular attention to the possibility of implications for intervention development.read less
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