Changes in Spatial Perspective Taking and Mental Rotation Through Self-as-Context: Difference between Spatial Perspective Taking and Mental Rotation

Self-as-context (SAC) is a key concept in acceptance and commitment therapy. Interventions that promote SAC enable clients to objectively view private events, thereby reducing their impact. Currently, most SAC measures rely on self-reports, necessitating the development of behavioral measures. The aim in this study is to develop a behavioral measure for SAC. Specifically, an attempt was made to clarify the relationship between spatial cognition and SAC. In spatial cognition, spatial perspective-taking, which includes mental rotation, may be related to SAC as it involves (a) representing space mentally and viewing targets objectively and (b) associating with social perspective-taking. The changes in spatial perspective-taking and mental rotation caused by SAC were examined. Fifty-five participants were assigned to the experimental and control groups (n = 28 and 27, respectively). Participants responded to indices related to spatial perspective-taking, mental rotation, and SAC. The experimental group performed SAC exercises, whereas the control group underwent cognitive restructuring. The same indices were measured after one week of homework. Significant changes were observed in the secondary indicator of SAC. However, no significant changes were observed in spatial perspective-taking or mental rotation in either group. The results of this study suggest several perspectives for organizing the relationship between SAC and spatial cognition, which will be useful for the development of the public measurement.