Altered Sense Of Self Research Articles

Self-concept integration and differentiation in subclinical individuals with dissociation proneness

Dissociative pathology is characterized by an altered sense of self. Still, it remains unclear (a) whether the altered sense of self is also associated with non-pathological dissociation as well and (b) whether this potential association is an intrinsic connection or a consequence of other related constructs, including childhood trauma. This study addresses this question by examining how self-concept organization may differ among individuals with different levels of dissociation proneness. The structure of self-concept was operationalized by various indexes of self-concept integration and differentiation. Results showed that individuals high in dissociation proneness have lower self-concept clarity and compartmentalize self-aspects with more polarized evaluations. Notably, the association between dissociation proneness and evaluative self-compartmentalization held after controlling for childhood trauma, anxiety, and depression. This characteristic self-concept organization can be an attribute of non-pathological dissociation.

Neuroimaging the traumatized self: fMRI reveals altered response in cortical midline structures and occipital cortex during visual and verbal self- and other-referential processing in women with PTSD

ABSTRACTBackground: Changes to the diagnostic criteria for PTSD in DSM-5 reflect an increased emphasis on negative cognition referring to self and other, including self-blame, and related pervasive negative affective states including for self-conscious emotions such as guilt and shame.Objective: Investigate the neural correlates of valenced self-referential processing (SRP) and other-referential processing (ORP) in persons with PTSD.Method: We compared response to the Visual-Verbal Self-Other Referential Processing Task in an fMRI study of women with (n = 20) versus without (n = 24) PTSD primarily relating to childhood and interpersonal trauma histories using statistical parametric mapping and group independent component analysis.Results: As compared to women without PTSD, women with PTSD endorsed negative words as more descriptive both of themselves and others, whereas positive words were endorsed as less descriptive both of themselves and others. Women with PTSD also reported a greater experience of negative affect and a lesser experience of positive affect during SRP specifically. Significant differences between groups were observed within independent components defined by ventral- and middle-medial prefrontal corte x, mediolateral parietal cortex, and visual cortex, depending on experimental conditions.Conclusions: This study reveals brain-based disturbances during SRP and ORP in women with PTSD related to interpersonal and developmental trauma. Psychological assessment and treatment should address altered sense of self and affective response to others in PTSD.

Sacrifices of Self

We emerge from certain activities with an altered sense of self. Whether returning from a warzone or from an experience as common as caring for an aging parent, one might remark, “I’m not the same person I was.” I argue that such transformations are relevant to debates about what morality requires of us. To undergo an alteration in one’s self is to make a special kind of sacrifice, a sacrifice of self. Since projects can be more or less morally obligatory to the extent that they require more or less sacrifice, we must incorporate these unique sacrifices into any accounting of the contours and limits of moral obligation. But sacrifices of self pose a special difficulty for any such accounting, precisely because of their transformative nature. Unlike most other sacrifices, they cannot be analyzed entirely in terms of wellbeing. Using real-world case studies and examples, I argue for the existence of two types of sacrifice of self, involving changes in identity and moral agency. I argue that sacrifices of self require particular attention because they may be extra difficult to compare with other costs and with moral gains.

The consciousness state space (CSS)—a unifying model for consciousness and self

Every experience, those we are aware of and those we are not, is embedded in a subjective timeline, is tinged with emotion, and inevitably evokes a certain sense of self. Here, we present a phenomenological model for consciousness and selfhood which relates time, awareness, and emotion within one framework. The consciousness state space (CSS) model is a theoretical one. It relies on a broad range of literature, hence has high explanatory and integrative strength, and helps in visualizing the relationship between different aspects of experience. Briefly, it is suggested that all phenomenological states fall into two categories of consciousness, core and extended (CC and EC, respectively). CC supports minimal selfhood that is short of temporal extension, its scope being the here and now. EC supports narrative selfhood, which involves personal identity and continuity across time, as well as memory, imagination and conceptual thought. The CSS is a phenomenological space, created by three dimensions: time, awareness and emotion. Each of the three dimensions is shown to have a dual phenomenological composition, falling within CC and EC. The neural spaces supporting each of these dimensions, as well as CC and EC, are laid out based on the neuroscientific literature. The CSS dynamics include two simultaneous trajectories, one in CC and one in EC, typically antagonistic in normal experiences. However, this characteristic behavior is altered in states in which a person experiences an altered sense of self. Two examples are laid out, flow and meditation. The CSS model creates a broad theoretical framework with explanatory and unificatory power. It constructs a detailed map of the consciousness and selfhood phenomenology, which offers constraints for the science of consciousness. We conclude by outlining several testable predictions raised by the CSS model.

Life interrupted and life regained? Coping with stroke at a young age

Stroke is a leading cause of disability across the developed world, affecting an increasing number of younger people. In this article, we seek to understand the experience of stroke as a disabling life situation among young people and the strategies that they use to recover and cope. Directed content analysis was conducted from interviews with 17 community-dwelling stroke survivors aged 55 years and younger across the United Kingdom. The sample was drawn from a larger maximum variation sample of stroke survivors. Using the sociological concepts of biographical disruption and biographical repair as a guide, excerpts from the interviews pertaining to aspects of the patients’ life that were interrupted, in addition to how they coped with the changes, were selected and analysed. All individuals described an “altered sense of self,” a theme that included loss of identity, family disruption, and/or loss of valued activities. Individuals sought to adapt their sense of self by seeking external support, by restoring normality, and/or through positive reflection. Despite the adapted self that emerged, most individuals continued to experience impairments. While young stroke survivors adapt to their illness over time, they continue to experience impairments and disruptions in their personal and work lives. A holistic model of rehabilitation that helps individuals regain the capacity for everyday activities related to work, family life, and leisure can begin to address the emotional ramifications of diseases such as stroke, restore wellness, and work towards minimizing the burden felt by family caregivers and children.

Negative pressure wound therapy: a study on patient perspectives

to explore patients' lived experience of using negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). A phenomenological approach based on Heideggerian philosophy was undertaken. The study population consisted of 6 participants who had used NPWT for a minimum of 4 weeks. Semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and investigated for themes using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three superordinate themes were identified: altered sense of self, new culture of technology and leading a restricted life. Themes associated with an altered sense of self and leading a restricted life were in keeping with other wound care studies. Identification of barriers such as managing technical difficulties, practicalities of daily living, and improved understanding of NPWT for both patient and practitioner, can foster hope and reduce anxiety. Recommendations include holistic assessment of patient suitability for NPWT, education for patients and health professionals on NPWT, use of lighter, quieter devices, and the inclusion of a technology domain in future health-related quality of life studies on NPWT.

Survivor Loneliness of Women Following Breast Cancer

To describe the experience of loneliness for women more than a year following breast cancer treatment. Qualitative, phenomenologic. Interviews conducted in women's setting of choice (e.g., home, library). Purposive sample of 13 women, 1-18 years following breast cancer treatment. Streubert's descriptive phenomenologic method based on Husserl's phenomenology. Phenomenon of loneliness. Women conveyed a unique description of loneliness that was termed survivor loneliness. They described how they felt alone in the awareness of mortality and were invalidated in the experience of ongoing symptom burden, a changed sense of identity and connection, and an altered threshold for distress that pervaded their long-term experiences. As they sought ways to lead more authentic lives, the women sometimes withheld truth or projected images they perceived as inauthentic, contributing to their loneliness. Paradoxically, as survivors perceived connections with others as more fragile, they also felt a strengthened vitality of connection, particularly with their children, and a deepened sense of empathy and connectedness to the suffering of others. Findings shed light on the ongoing symptom experience of women and the isolation they experienced as they sought to work through an altered sense of self, connection, and identity as breast cancer survivors. Although survivor loneliness was experienced by all participants, findings suggest that some women may be more vulnerable to heightened psychological distress. Follow-up care should include giving recognition to survivors' experiences and normalizing the situation to allow for survivors' expressions of experience. Through attentive and empathic assessment, clinicians need to be alert to the unmet needs of longer-term survivors, including the experience of survivor loneliness and the importance of identifying and assisting survivors who describe heightened distress. Prospective studies are needed to examine survivor loneliness and the factors that make some women more vulnerable to psychological distress. Grounded theory studies are needed to delineate the phases and challenges of breast cancer survivorship, including survivor loneliness.

Refracted Selves? A Study of Changes in Self-Identity in the Transition to Motherhood

Drawing on data from a study of middle-class women undergoing the transition to motherhood, this paper critically examines the early 1990s' work of Giddens and Beck on self-identity. Parallels with the work of Giddens and Beck are drawn, but it is argued that more attention needs to be paid to gendered and embodied identity. Using discourse analysis, it is suggested that the women are `excused' from aspects of their identity in the process of pregnancy, but remain within the same regime of subjectification. Six dimensions of an altered sense of self are identified, and the discourses on which the women draw in maintaining a coherent sense of self are discussed. The concept of a refracted self is proposed as a means of theorsing these changes.

REFRACTED SELVES? A STUDY OF CHANGES IN SELF-IDENTITY IN THE TRANSITION TO MOTHERHOOD

Drawing on data from a study of middle-class women undergoing the transition to motherhood, this paper critically examines the early 1990s' work of Giddens and Beck on self-identity. Parallels with the work of Giddens and Beck are drawn, but it is argued that more attention needs to be paid to gendered and embodied identity. Using discourse analysis, it is suggested that the women are ‘excused’ from aspects of their identity in the process of pregnancy, but remain within the same regime of subjectification. Six dimensions of an altered sense of self are identified, and the discourses on which the women draw in maintaining a coherent sense of self are discussed. The concept of a refracted self is proposed as a means of theorising these changes.

Burn camps and community aspects of burn care.

Burn injuries can have a profound effect on the personality development and emotional stability of children, particularly those children who had preexisting pathologic conditions at the time of injury. Integration of an altered sense of self and reentry into the social arena are two challenges that children with burn injuries must face. Creative psychosocial services are of critical importance in providing support to children as they meet these challenges. School reentry programs and burn camps are presented as two services that are currently provided to facilitate the adaptation and reentry process for these children.