The 36-Item Yoni Task: Normative Data for the Clinical Assessment of Theory of Mind.

The evaluation of Theory of Mind (ToM) in the clinical setting remains limited due to the lack of valid instruments for a quick and reliable assessment. In this study, the psychometric properties of the Yoni-36 task were tested, and correction grids, equivalence scores, and normative data were computed. : In total, 318 healthy subjects (169 females; mean age = 42.22 ± 18.11 years; mean education = 15.01 ± 3.43 years) were enrolled and administered the Yoni-36 task. : Statistical analysis showed good-to-high internal consistency, split-half reliability, and discrimination ability (especially for the second-order items) of the Yoni-36 task. Regression models highlighted the predictive role of age and education on second-order, affective, cognitive accuracy, and response time scores. Education influenced the first-order ToM response time score as well. Based on β values of the regressions, raw scores of the Yoni task were adjusted for sex, age, and education, and correction grids were computed. The equivalent scores indicated an accuracy index score < 0.69 and a response time index score < 0.83 as cut-off points for ToM competence. Normative data reported a mean accuracy and response time index score of 0.90 ± 0.11 and 0.91 ± 0.05 in the Italian population, respectively. : The Yoni-36 proved to be a valid instrument for a quick and reliable ToM assessment, suitable to be included in neuropsychological batteries and to be used in routine clinical practice.