Representations Of Self Research Articles

Overcoming the streetlight effect: Shining light on the foundations of learning and development in early childhood.

Developmental theory has long emphasized a range of skills that young children need for healthy development across the life course. Nevertheless, most evaluations of early childhood programs and policies have focused on measuring a somewhat limited set of competencies. In this article, we explore this "streetlight effect" in early childhood intervention research and propose an initial set of skills that we argue should be prioritized alongside traditionally measured outcomes as targets of intervention during the preschool period (i.e., between ages 3 and 5 years). These skills, which we call the foundations of learning and development (FOLD) skills, include both well-studied and emerging constructs such as curiosity, creativity, self-regulation and executive function, critical thinking, perspective taking, and internal representations of self. To better understand FOLD skills' potential as more practical, effective, and inclusive targets of early childhood programs and policies, we review research regarding each skill's malleability, measurability, predictive validity, and universality. We end with a set of future directions for the field, including the need to (a) formulate a more inclusive taxonomy of FOLD skills that incorporates currently omitted competencies relevant to marginalized populations, (b) measure these skills in scalable and actionable ways, and (c) enhance or modify intervention strategies to optimize the development of these FOLD skills in the preschool period. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

A reflection on faces seen under mirror reversal.

Much of our visual experience of faces, including our own, is mediated by technology, for example when a digital photo depicts a mirror reversal of reality. How does this difference in visual experience affect judgments about appearance? Here, we asked participants to view their likeness in photographs that were reversed (as when viewed in a mirror) or not reversed (as when viewed directly). Observers also perceptually adapted (or not) to the reversed or non-reversed images in a 2 × 2 design. Observers then rated how much each photograph resembled them and how much they liked their appearance in the photograph, later repeating the procedure for images of close friends. We found that non-reversed images are perceived as more "unlike" one's self and less pleasant than reversed images; the pattern disappears when evaluating close friends, where the non-reversed image is the more familiar, with adaptation having asymmetric effects. Experiment 1A was fully replicated seven years later. These results are likely driven by a strong, albeit malleable, visual representation of self, born of technology mediated experience and activated when an unfamiliar perspective exposes facial asymmetries. We conclude by considering the downstream effects of these preferences on consumer and social behavior.

Borderline personality trait is associated with neural differentiation of self-other processing: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study

BackgroundIndividuals with borderline personality traits are known to have disturbed representations of self and others. Specifically, an unstable self-identity and difficulties distinguishing between self and others can impair their mentalizing abilities in interpersonal situations. However, it is unclear whether these traits are linked to differences in neural representation of self and others. MethodsIn this study involving 156 young adults, changes in neural function during self-other processing were measured using a Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) task and a self-report survey. During the fNIRS task, participants were asked about their own traits, others' traits, how they believed others perceived them, and the basic meaning of words. The study aimed to determine whether the degree of neural differentiation between the task conditions was related to borderline personality traits. ResultThe study found that traits indicative of identity instability could be predicted by similarities in task-dependent connectivity. Specifically, the neural patterns when individuals estimated how others perceived them were more similar to the patterns when they judged their own traits. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that borderline personality traits related to identity issues may reflect difficulties in distinguishing between neural patterns when processing self and other information.

Exploring the Role of Attachment and Coping Strategies in Sexual Orientation Disparities in Depressive Symptoms

ABSTRACT We tested whether sexual orientation disparities in depressive symptoms are partially explained by a path through attachment anxiety or avoidance leading to ineffective coping strategies. A convenience sample of 1290 individuals from two reliable data collection platforms (Credamo and Wenjuanxing) in China were included. Structural equation modeling was performed, with sexual orientation treated as the independent variable, ineffective coping strategies, attachment avoidance and anxiety as mediators, and depressive symptoms as the dependent variable. We found that lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) individuals reported higher levels of attachment anxiety and avoidance than heterosexual individuals, regardless of sex, with Cohen’s ds ranging from 0.25 to 0.76. For both sexes, LGB individuals reported more depressive symptoms than heterosexual individuals, with total effects (standardized regression coefficients) ranging from 0.22 to 0.26. More depressive symptoms reported by LGB individuals compared to heterosexual individuals were partially explained by a path involving attachment avoidance or anxiety leading to ineffective coping strategies, with indirect effects ranging from 0.04 to 0.09 (small effect sizes). Overall, our results suggest that psychological factors, such as the cognitive or emotional representations of self and others, as well as ineffective coping strategies, may partially explain sexual orientation disparities in depressive symptoms.

The neural representation of self, close, and famous others: An electrophysiological investigation on the social brain

ABSTRACT It is well established that the Self has a unique representation in the social brain, as evident from the Self-Referential Effect (SRE). However, the timing and neural mechanisms underlying the representation of individuals with varying degrees of closeness and emotional relevance to the Self remain unclear. Twenty-two participants read 260 personality traits and decided whether they described themselves, a close friend, or an admired celebrity. A strong Self-Referential Effect (SRE) was found at behavioral, ERP, and neuroimaging levels. Three anterior ERP components were identified as sensitive to social information: a P200 (250–350 ms) responding to famous others’ traits, a P600 (500–700 ms) responding to self-trait processing, and a late positivity (800–950 ms) responding to self-trait processing and close traits. Source reconstructions revealed partially overlapping but distinct neural sources for each individual. The right precuneus (bodily self) and inferior frontal areas (inner voice) were active only during self-processing, while the right medial prefrontal cortex (BA10) was consistently active across tasks, showing a robust SRE. These findings provide insights into the neural mechanisms underlying the representation of the Self in social contexts.

Conserving a sense of self despite significantly impaired short-term memory through songwriting and formative events

This case study reflects on the use of improvisation and songwriting to support a patient with significantly impaired short-term memory and long-term memory interference as a result of acquired brain injury. Memory has long been associated with personal identity, linking the past with the present, and enabling us to project into the future. This continuity of consciousness helps us to learn from, and make sense of our experiences, strengthening our internal representation of self. Disruption to short-term memory can significantly impact decision making, planning and initiation, all of which are key components of personal identity and self-expression. Supporting patient autonomy and self-expression through improvisation, and crafting lyrical content around personal preferences and events, sessions were designed to bolster his internalised sense of self through both revisiting old memories and facilitating new memory formation within the present. While short-term memory has been considered a conduit to long-term memory consolidation, and integral to the individual’s self-expression, this case study implies short-term memory was neither the gatekeeper to formation of long-term memories, nor critical to maintaining a sense of self, and reflects on how music helped the client create and access new learning beyond procedural memories, anchoring the self in newly internalised self-expression.

Dynamic spatial representation of self and others’ actions in the macaque frontal cortex

Modulation of neuronal firing rates by the spatial locations of physical objects is a widespread phenomenon in the brain. However, little is known about how neuronal responses to the actions of biological entities are spatially tuned and whether such spatially tuned responses are affected by social contexts. These issues are of key importance for understanding the neural basis of embodied social cognition, such as imitation and perspective-taking. Here, we show that spatial representation of actions can be dynamically changed depending on others' social relevance and agents of action. Monkeys performed a turn-taking choice task with a real monkey partner sitting face-to-face or a filmed partner in prerecorded videos. Three rectangular buttons (left, center, and right) were positioned in front of the subject and partner as their choice targets. We recorded from single neurons in two frontal nodes in the social brain, the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) and the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC). When the partner was filmed rather than real, spatial preference for partner-actions was markedly diminished in MPFC, but not PMv, neurons. This social context-dependent modulation in the MPFC was also evident for self-actions. Strikingly, a subset of neurons in both areas switched their spatial preference between self-actions and partner-actions in a diametrically opposite manner. This observation suggests that these cortical areas are associated with coordinate transformation in ways consistent with an actor-centered perspective-taking coding scheme. The PMv may subserve such functions in context-independent manners, whereas the MPFC may do so primarily in social contexts.

Creating a metaverse‐me: Exploring the consumer avatar creation process

AbstractThe metaverse is emerging as a focal point for technological advancement, social interaction, and commerce. Despite brands' enthusiasm for establishing a presence in the metaverse, consumer adoption remains modest, with the initial hurdle being avatar creation. To better understand why consumers are hesitant to engage in the metaverse, this study focuses on avatars as virtual representations of self, particularly during the stage of avatar creation. Drawing on theories of self‐presentation and identity formation, this research investigates how users conceptualise and express their virtual avatars. Through a series of in‐depth semi‐structured interviews, we propose an integrated framework that illustrates how consumers engage in a complex avatar creation process consisting of consolidation, exploration, affirmation, and aspiration. Further, our insights show that avatars serve as extensions of real‐world identities, as well as how this impacts consumption behaviour. These insights are valuable for marketers aiming to develop actionable consumer‐centric metaverse strategies, and researchers investigating consumer behaviour within immersive consumption environments.

Competition and Digital Game Design: a Self-Determination Theory Perspective

Abstract Although competition is a common feature of digital games, nuances of when and why aspects of competition influence players' motivation and well-being have been surprisingly underexplored, especially through the lens of self-determination theory (SDT). In this critical review, we: (1) describe how a mini-theory of SDT, cognitive evaluation theory (CET), can help predict when and why aspects of competition will alternatively satisfy or frustrate basic psychological needs in digital games with downstream effects on players' motivation and well-being; (2) apply the Motivation, Engagement and Thriving in User Experience (METUX) model to outline ways competition in digital games can influence motivation and well-being at multiple levels; and (3) prioritize future research directions. Finally, we argue that digital games, given their diversity, adaptability and massive reach, represent an especially powerful context for studying competition, motivation and well-being. Research Highlights This critical review integrates self-determination theory (SDT)-guided models and research related to HCI, sports psychology and well-being supportive design to advance understanding of competition in digital games. Introduces a new taxonomy of competition relevant to SDT and digital games, including macro-level categories, general elements and specific features. Presents a competition and digital gaming specific cognitive evaluation theory (CET) model linking different aspects of competition in digital games to basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration, motivation, health and well-being. Applying the METUX model, we map out ways researchers and game makers can think about aspects of competition in digital games at multiple levels or spheres of influence. Prioritizes future directions for research, specifically related to experimentally manipulating digital feedback and digital representations of self and others in digital games.

Chair Work with the Empathic Other: Providing Basic Need Support for Resolving Unfinished Business

In this case study we present an example of a modification of the chair work technique, called ‘chair work with the empathic other’, and examine the process of emotional change of the participant. We find that talking directly to the empathic other supports the participant’s emotional engagement with the task and guides her emotional processing through the four necessary components of successful empty chair work, specified in previous research: experiential access and intense expression of primary adaptive emotion, expression of thwarted need, and a shift in the representation of self and the other. Drawing on self-determination theory, we conceptualize the trainer’s person-centered communication as a basic need-supporting therapeutic action. Throughout the chair work process, the need-supporting positioning of the ‘empathic other’, provided by the trainer, consistently engages the participant in the emotional processing of unfinished business: it deepens and widens her emotional exploration, leads her to express thwarted need, and finally, to change representation of self and other. We discuss the findings within the framework of self-determination theory and in relation to research on emotional change and therapeutic practice. Previous research has pointed out the difficulties many clients face with engaging in chair work. Introducing need-supportive communication, drawing on self-determination theory, we suggest that the modified technique is a possible intervention to facilitate engagement in chair work and emotional change.

The Role of Attachment Anxiety and Avoidance in Predicting Proximal Minority Stressors among Gay and Lesbian People in Italy.

As has been widely documented, minority stress affects the psychosocial well-being of gay and lesbian people. Recently, researchers have turned their attention to psychological factors that may influence the level of minority stress experienced, in order to explain individual differences in perceptions of proximal minority stressors. The present research aimed at assessing the effect of attachment avoidance and anxiety on levels of perceived stigma and internalized homonegativity. A total of 163 participants who self-identified as lesbian or gay (Mage = 32.56, SD = 10.87) were recruited and responded to the self-report questionnaires. Two multiple regression models were applied to assess the association between adult attachment and perceived stigma and internalized homonegativity. Results showed a positive association between attachment anxiety and avoidance and internalized homonegativity, as well as between attachment avoidance and perceived stigma. The emerging results demonstrate the impact of attachment anxiety and avoidance on proximal minority stressors and provide useful data for interventions addressing lesbian and gay people aimed at promoting security-based strategies of affect regulation and positive representations of self and others, which in turn may reduce the level of proximal minority stressors experienced and promote psychosocial well-being.

Naturalistic use of psychedelics does not modulate processing of self-related stimuli (but it might modulate attentional mechanisms): An event-related potentials study.

Classic psychedelics are able to profoundly alter the state of consciousness and lead to acute experiences of ego dissolution - the blurring of the distinction between representations of self and the external world. However, whether repeated use of psychedelics is associated with more prolonged and permanent modifications to the concept of self remains to be investigated. Therefore, we conducted a preregistered, cross-sectional study in which experienced psychedelics users (15 or more lifetime experiences with psychedelics; N = 56) were compared to nonusers (N = 57) in terms of neural reactivity to a Self-name (i.e., each participant's own name) stimulus, which is known to robustly activate a representation of self. Two control stimuli were additionally used: an Other-name stimulus, as a passive control condition in which no reaction was required, and a Target-name stimulus, to which participants provided a manual response and which thus constituted an active control condition. Analysis of the amplitude of the P300 ERP component evoked by the Self- or Target-names revealed no difference between the psychedelics users and nonusers. However, psychedelic users exhibited increased P300 amplitude during perception of Other-names. In addition, in comparison to nonusers, psychedelics users exhibited a smaller increase in P300 amplitude when processing the task-relevant Target-names (in relation to both Self- and Other-names). Therefore, our data suggests that regular naturalistic use of psychedelics may not be related to long-term changes in the representation of self, but it might potentially affect the allocation of attentional resources to task-relevant stimuli.

Sign language choice and policy among the signing community in Kuwait

AbstractSign language is significant in its linguistic complexity and sociocultural values to its users. The linguistic situation of sign languages in the Middle East is controversial. For Arab deaf communities, each country has a rich and complex national sign language without the need for a superior, more standard unifying Arabic sign language (ArSL). There have been attempts to unify sign languages by creating ArSL. This initiative has been mostly taken by nondeaf persons and has been met with opposition and resistance. This paper investigates sign languages in Kuwait and the attitudes towards both Kuwaiti Sign Language (KSL) and ArSL from both deaf individuals and sign language translators/teachers using surveys, informal interviews, and fieldwork visits. The research question is: What sign language would the deaf community and sign language interpreters/teachers in Kuwait choose (KSL, ArSL, or both) to better serve the deaf community. This paper is designed to uncover the impact of language policies on communities' representations of self and explore the richness and complexity of national sign languages that can be underestimated by language policymakers. The findings of this study indicate a preference for KSL or the use of both KSL and ArSL, but not ArSL alone.

Violences et maltraitances intrafamiliales (conjugales, infantiles et sur personnes âgées) : aspects épidémiologiques et approche psychopathologique

Intra-familial violence and abuse includes domestic violence that is not specifically identified as violence against women, abuse and violence against children or elderly relatives. This article provides a legal definition of the notions of violence and abuse. Abuse is virtually inseparable from the notion of vulnerability, which appeared in the 1994 Penal Code in France. The present article summarizes current epidemiological data in France and worldwide and highlights the obvious underestimation of domestic violence both in France and in other parts of the world. One French survey reported that in 1997, 50,000 women were victims of rape and more recently, that 225,000 women had reported being victims of domestic violence. In 2021, there were 143 murders in the context of domestic violence, 85% of which involved women. The mechanisms of this violence are usually described as consisting of 4 cyclic phases alternating between a climate of tension, aggression, disempowerment, and remission (repentance on the part of the perpetrator). From a psychodynamic viewpoint, the phenomenon of ascendancy, initially conceptualized by Freud, makes it possible to understand the submission of the victim towards the aggressor. This phenomenon can lead to the inability of the perpetrator to recognize the otherness of the other (the victim). Systemic approaches recall the notion of circular causality, making the victim part of the system without denying the responsibility for his acts on the part of the perpetrator. The consequences are usually very negative representations of self for the victim and an increased dependence toward the aggressor. The judicial and clinical world has for several years advocated dealing with perpetrators of conjugal violence by issuing an injunction to submit to treatment. This can also include victims who consent to these therapeutic proposals. Child abuse in France involved more than 35,000 children in 2018. In 80% of the cases, the perpetrators were one of the victim's parents. The abuse ranged from psychological violence (about 30%) to sexual violence (3.6%). Globally, the prevalence of physical violence against children was estimated to concern from 5 to 35% of children in 2014. Fifteen to 30% of girls versus 5 to 15% of boys are thought to have suffered some form of sexual violence. The tender age of the child is the first risk factor, given that 50% of violent deaths in 2011 concerned subjects under the age of four months. From a psychodynamic perspective, child abuse and violence induce trauma with lasting effects on the personality. Several authors mention resulting attachment disorders and behaviors similar to the Stockholm syndrome. Furthermore, in the neurosciences, repeated trauma is considered to lead to disruption between warning neuroanatomical structures and memorization structures, preventing the memorization of events as representations in a space-time continuum, and retaining them only as a strong stress signal. In addition to violent deaths and immediate traumatic facial injuries, this abuse leads to precarious physical and mental health throughout life. The abuse of older people has become a fact of society worldwide. This phenomenon potentially affects 141,000,000 people worldwide and nearly 7000 people in France. The victims are most often women, widows, and dependents and with some financial resources. The perpetrators are often reported to be exhausted caregivers, but this does not explain the frequency of abuse involving money. Prosecutions after the facts are reported are rare. There is an obvious, underestimation of intra-familial violence both in France and globally, whether this relates to the problems involved in reporting such incidents, or to the ambiguous definitions attributed to abuse. This article underlines how violence against the elderly is less often reported to the courts than those against women and children. Finally, the authors propose a psychopathological approach, neuroscientific insights and therapeutic perspectives on intra-family violence and abuse.

Visualizing Self: Altruism is (Un)Affected by Field Versus Observer Representations of Self

PurposeThis study examines the impact of first-person versus third-person mental visualizations of self on prosocial behavior, building on research that links perspective-taking to differences in moral judgments, agency, and self-awareness. A first-person perspective of self typically enhances feelings of agency, personal responsibility, and empathy, which has been hypothesized to lead to greater helping. However, a third-person perspective of self may heighten self-awareness, potentially leading to a greater focus on reputation management and consequently, helping.MethodsIn two preregistered experiments we test the impact of perspective taking of self on altruistic behavior. Experiment One (n = 599) manipulates generalized perspective taking of self during memory recall and assesses its effect on the amount of time individuals engage in a charitable activity. Experiment Two (n = 271) extends this investigation to explore how targeted perspective taking of self while visualizing a future volunteer activity influences intention to volunteer and actual volunteering.ResultsAcross both experiments we found no evidence of an effect of perspective taking on altruistic behavior.ConclusionOur results contrast with previous research suggesting that differences in mental visualizations of self influence prosocial behaviors. These findings underscore the complexity of this research area and call for a deeper examination of the theoretical frameworks and methodology used in studies.

Addressing Dissociated Representations of Self and Others in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Syndromes.

Addressing Dissociated Representations of Self and Others in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Syndromes.

Beyond activity patterns: The complex process of activity management among individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain after an orthopaedic trauma.

Individuals must change the way they perform activities in response to chronic pain. In the literature, three activity patterns are commonly described: avoidance, pacing, and persistence. Many studies have explored these activity patterns. However, little research has delved into the factors that lead people to adopt a particular activity behaviour. This study aimed to explore the relationship that people with chronic musculoskeletal pain have with activity and highlight the factors underlying their practices. The qualitative study was conducted by researchers in the social sciences, physiotherapy, psychology, and rehabilitation medicine. Observations of vocational workshops and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 persons undergoing rehabilitation for chronic musculoskeletal pain after an accident. Patients' declarations and actions show that any one patient will alternate between activity patterns: the same person may adopt a strategy of avoidance, pacing or persistence depending on the context, the importance of the activity, personal objectives, and representations of self, pain, and activity. The decision to engage in a particular behaviour is based on a process of self-negotiation weighted by the circumstances, the nature of the activity, the importance attached to it, and the individual's perceived ability. Our study emphasized the complexity of physical, social, and contextual factors that intervene in the relationship toward activity. Rather than favouring pacing, the therapist's role in rehabilitation might be to reinforce the reflexive process and the patient's adaptability in approaching the activity, to foster the capacity to find flexible solutions. Patients choose an activity pattern (avoidance, pacing, persistence) according to the challenges they face in their daily lives. Context, representations of self and activity, as well as goals sought influence these choices. Some patients report having learned to adapt their activity management strategies. Therefore, therapeutic approaches in the rehabilitation context could focus on these adaptive capacities to offer patients optimal pain and activity management and develop their ability to use different strategies according to the circumstance.

Exploring the Components of Digital Identity on Social Networks Sites: Identifier, Post, Profile Photo, and Selfie

The digital age has ushered in a paradigm shift in self-expression and identity construction, with social network sites (SNSs) serving as vibrant canvases for individuals to shape and project their digital personality. This paper focuses on delving into the intricate components of digital identity on SNS, focusing on four key elements: identifiers, posts, profile photos, and selfies. Based on a descriptive and analytical method, this article attempts to draw up a detailed and nuanced analysis of the multiple facets of digital identity, thus providing a solid basis for in-depth understanding of this complex phenomenon in the specific context of social networks which technically regulate the representation of self. The results obtained show that the construction of a digital identity is framed by the architecture of SNSs, which incite users to manifest their selves, thus producing unlimited digital traces that reflect their personality traits. The results also provide an understanding of the structure of SNSs that aim to raise awareness of presenting a positive self-image in the digital world.

What My Music Says About Me: Re-evaluating the ‘Badge’ Function of Music in the Context of Streaming

This article re-evaluates Simon Frith’s hypothesis that music serves as a badge for youth identity, based on 15 qualitative interviews with young people aged 17–19 conducted in the fall of 2021. Our findings point to changes in the representation of self through music, as musical preferences are too closely tied to unique identity pathways to provide quick and reliable information about the self to others. Behind this shift, we identify an interplay between the increased accessibility and mobility of music, facilitated by new technological means and a context of increased concern among young people for the construction of their identity. This article highlights the changing nature of musical preferences and their role in self-presentation through music and aims to open up further research on this topic.

Attachment as an intermediary variable between childhood maltreatment and perceived partner responsiveness in adolescents and young adults.

Cumulative childhood maltreatment (CCM) is associated with relationship difficulties including lower perceived partner responsiveness (PPR)-the degree of feeling cared for, understood, and validated by a person's partner. Attachment theory is understood via its representations of self and others and could offer a better understanding of how CCM effects continue into adulthood and affect PPR. We examined whether CCM is related to PPR via attachment in French-speaking adolescents and young adults. A sample of 427 individuals in a romantic relationship and another sample of 159 couples completed self-report measures. In both samples, a person's CCM was associated with their own lower PPR via their higher attachment anxiety and avoidance. In the dyadic sample, a person's CCM was associated with their partner's lower PPR via their own higher attachment anxiety. Attachment insecurities help understand the associations between CCM and PPR and may represent an important intervention target.