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

Abstract

We re-analysed visuo-spatial perspective taking data from Kessler, K. and Rutherford, H. 2010. The two forms of Visuo-Spatial Perspective Taking are differently embodied and subserve different spatial prepositions. Frontiers in Psychology, 1 doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2010.00213 plus a previously unpublished pilot with respect to individual- and sex differences in embodied processing (defined as body-posture congruence effects).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.