Abstract
The impact of siblings on the executive functioning and theory of mind in children is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. Siblings have the potential to influence each other’s cognitive development through various forms of interaction, such as negotiation, cooperation, and conflicts. This paper summarizes the relationship between siblings, executive functioning, and theory of mind through reviewing previous research. It discusses whether siblings directly contribute to changes in executive functioning and theory of mind or if other factors, such as age difference and gender, play a role. This article discusses the importance of identifying the significant role of siblings in shaping executive functioning and theory of mind and provides an overview of research findings and potential influencing factors. By focusing on processes influenced by older siblings, this review article will provide a deeper understanding of how sibling interactions may impact younger children’s cognitive functioning. Future research should encompass different cultural backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and family structures to increase generalizability and can help to understand the contexts of the correlation between siblings and cognitive functioning.