Perspective-taking

Perspective-taking is the act of perceiving a situation or understanding a concept from an alternative point of view, such as that of another individual.^[1]

A vast amount of scientific literature suggests that perspective-taking is crucial to human development^[2] and that it may lead to a variety of beneficial outcomes.^[3][4] Perspective-taking may also be possible in some non-human animals.^[5]

Both theory and research have suggested ages when children begin to perspective-take and how that ability develops over time.^[2][6] Past research has suggested that certain people who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with comorbid conduct problems (such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder)^[7][8] or autism may have reduced ability to engage in perspective-taking, though newer theories such as the double empathy problem posit that such difficulties may be mutual between people.^[9][10]

Studies to assess the brain regions involved in perspective-taking suggest that several regions may be involved, including the prefrontal cortex and the precuneus.^[11]

Perspective-taking a type of is related to other theories and concepts including theory of mind^[12] and empathy.^[13]