| Abstract [eng] |
Studies of sex differences in spatial abilities may help better understand how these abilities are related to sex hormones and female hormonal status, revealing broader mechanisms of central nervous system functioning. This dissertation examined the links between sex, female hormonal status, and spatial abilities, integrating cognitive, neurophysiological, social, and emotional factors. The study included male participants and females with a natural menstrual cycle (investigated in follicular or mid-luteal phases), females using oral contraceptives (OC), or hormonal intrauterine devices (IUD). Data were collected using psychological questionnaires, electroencephalography (EEG), the tasks of visual working memory, and spatial abilities (mental rotation and cross-section). The results showed that neither sex nor female hormonal status were significantly related to visual working memory or resting-state EEG parameters. No sex differences were found in the mental rotation task, but in the cross-section task, males outperformed females (except IUD users), and this difference was partly explained by emotional arousal. In summary, the study showed that the associations between sex, female hormonal status, and spatial abilities are subtle and influenced by social, emotional, and individual factors. The results highlight the importance of considering a broader range of factors when comparing cognitive functions between sexes or female hormonal status groups. |
