Capacity for mentalization in adolescents as a predictor of formal operational thought and school success

Abstract

In this research, we set out to examine whether the mentalizing capacity in adolescents is a statistically significant predictor of formal operational thought and school success. For the purpose of this research, we used the Mentalization Questionnaire (MQ), which consists of three subscales: Self-Related Mentalization, Other-Related Mentalization and Motivation to Mentalize and Bond's logical operations test (BLOT). The research involved 200 students from Technical High School in Pirot, 54,5% were boys, and the average age of the participants was 17 years. The research results of multiple regression analysis indicate the model in which mentalizing capacity represents a predictor of formal operational thought is statistically significant and accounts for 51% variance in this criterion variable (R2 = .51; F (3,196) = 67.67; p = .00). Self-Related Mentalization (b = .34; p = .00) and Motivation to Mentalize (b = .37; p = .00) turned out to be significant individual predictors. When it comes to predictors of school success the model that consists of mentalization capacity dimensions is statistically significant and accounts for 49% of the variance in this variable (R 2 = .49; F (3,196) = 61.92; p = .00). Other-Related Mentalization (b = .22; p = .02) and Motivation to Mentalize (b = .38; p = .00) indicate a significant predictive potential. We consider that inciting mentalization in educational work can significantly contribute to the development of formal operational thought.

Keywords

• mentalization
• formal operational thought
• school success
• adolescence