The Human Self Has Two Serial Aspects and Is Dynamic: A Concept Based on Neurophysiological Evidence Supporting a Multiple Aspects Self Theory (MAST).

The self is not a single, fixed entity but a dynamic structure with multiple aspects that unfold over time. While earlier brain-imaging studies assumed a singular self, recent electrophysiological research provides preliminary evidence for a serial sequence of self-referential processes. The authors propose a Multiple Aspects Self Theory (MAST) distinguishing a primitive, non-personal self (Me1) from an elaborate, personal self (Me2), based on their temporal sequence. This framework aims to guide future studies on the neural dynamics of self-referential processing and its connection to consciousness.

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Abstract

The self is an increasingly central topic in current neuroscience. Understanding the neural processes that are involved in self-referential processing and functioning may also be crucial to understanding consciousness. The current short communication goes beyond the typical concept that the self is singular, as has been assumed from neuroanatomical descriptions of the self by fMRI and PET studies. Long ago, theoretically, the idea of multiple aspects of the human self-arose, highlighting a dynamic organizational structure, but an increasing number of electrophysiological brain imaging studies, searching for the temporal dynamics of self-referential brain processes, now has empirical evidence supporting their existence. This short communication focuses on the theoretical idea of a dynamic self and provides first preliminary empirical evidence, including results from own studies of the authors, in support of, and highlights the serial dynamics of the human self, suggesting a primitive Me1 and an elaborate Me2 (a non-personal and a personal self). By focusing on the temporal dimension of the self, we propose that multiple aspects of the self can be distinguished based on their temporal sequence. A multiple aspects Self Theory (MAST) is proposed. This model is meant as a theoretical framework for future studies providing further support.