Theory of mind and switching predict prospective memory performance in adolescents

• Ongoing development of prospective memory, theory of mind and executive functions across adolescence.
• We investigated the interplay of these processes in adolescents.
• Prospective memory, theory of mind and executive function tasks were completed.
• Switching and theory of mind contributed to prospective memory performance in adolescents.

Research indicates ongoing development of prospective memory as well as theory of mind and executive functions across late childhood and adolescence. However, so far the interplay of these processes has not been investigated. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to investigate whether theory of mind and executive control processes (specifically updating, switching, and inhibition) predict prospective memory development across adolescence. In total, 42 adolescents and 41 young adults participated in this study. Young adults outperformed adolescents on tasks of prospective memory, theory of mind, and executive functions. Switching and theory of mind predicted prospective memory performance in adolescents.