COMMUNICATION

Mentalization Development and Psychopathology

  • WANG Lanlan ,
  • LI Chuoran
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  • 1Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China;
    2Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
*WANG Lanlan, llan_wang@163.com

Online published: 2026-10-23

Abstract

Mentalization refers to an individual's ability to recognize and understand their own and others' mental states (such as beliefs, desires, feelings, and intentions), and serves as a core function of human social cognition. Since the 1990s, extensive research has demonstrated that abnormal development or impaired functioning of mentalization is closely associated with various psychopathological symptoms. This review aims to outline the developmental trajectory of mentalization, explore how different forms of mentalization failure give rise to distinct psychopathological conditions (e.g., borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychotic disorders), and discuss future directions for mentalization-based clinical interventions..

Cite this article

WANG Lanlan , LI Chuoran . Mentalization Development and Psychopathology[J]. Psychological Communications, 2026 , 9(1) : 71 -78 . DOI: 10.12100/j.issn.2096-5494.226011

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