Abstract
The self is defined by unity, which must be constructed from multiple inner processes and representations. The unity is more a requirement of social life than of brain activities. The self exists at the interface between the physical body and the social system, which for humans includes culture. The three main aspects of the self are a network of information (sometimes called the self-concept), an interpersonal being (e.g., member of a group or relationship), and executive function (e.g., making decisions). For each of these, multiple inner processes and representations must be integrated to produce the unity of self. Conscious processing plays a key role in this integrative process, because it is a vital means by which different areas of brain and mind exchange information.
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Work on this article was supported by the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research Common Fund with the grants UL1-DE019586 and 1RL1AA017541.
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Baumeister, R.F. The Unity of Self at the Interface of the Animal Body and the Cultural System. Psychol Stud 56, 5–11 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12646-011-0062-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12646-011-0062-5