Spatial perspective taking is an embodied process, but not for everyone in the same way: differences predicted by sex and social skills score

Klaus Kessler, Hongfang Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We re-analysed visuo-spatial perspective taking data from Kessler and Thomson (2010) plus a previously unpublished pilot with respect to individual- and sex differences in embodied processing (defined as body-posture congruence effects). We found that so-called 'systemisers' (males/low-social-skills) showed weaker embodiment than so-called 'embodiers' (females/high-social-skills). We conclude that 'systemisers' either have difficulties with embodied processing or, alternatively, they have a strategic advantage in selecting different mechanisms or the appropriate level of embodiment. In contrast, 'embodiers' have an advantageous strategy of "deep" embodied processing reflecting their urge to empathise or, alternatively, less flexibility in fine-tuning the involvement of bodily representations.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)133-158
Number of pages26
JournalSpatial cognition and computation
Volume12
Issue number2-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2012

Keywords

  • embodied social cognition
  • perspective taking
  • sex differences
  • social skills
  • systemiser-empathiser distinction
  • embodiers

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