Dynamical Relations in the Self-Pattern

Abstract

The notion of a self-pattern, as developed in the pattern theory of self (Gallagher, 2013), which holds that the self is best explained in terms of the kind of reality that pertains to a dynamical pattern, acknowledges the importance of neural dynamics, but also expands the account of self to extra-neural (embodied and enactive) dynamics. The pattern theory of self, however, has been criticized for failing to explicate the dynamical relations among elements of the self-pattern (e.g., Kyselo, 2014; Beni, 2016; de Haan et al., 2017); as such, it seems to be nothing more than a mere list of elements. We’ll argue that the dynamics of a self-pattern are reflected in three significant and interrelated ways that allow for investigation. First, a self-pattern is reflectively reiterated in its narrative component. Second, studies of psychiatric or neurological disorders can help us understand the precise nature of the dynamical relations in a self-pattern, and how they can fail. Third, referencing predictive processing accounts, neuroscience can also help to explicate the dynamical relations that constitute the self-pattern.

Group-based, individualized exercises can provide perceived bodily changes and strengthen aspects of self in individuals with MS: a qualitative interview study

“…Since what we can or cannot do helps to shape our thoughts (Gallagher, 2005), the short-and long-term reports of new activities, such as cycling or carrying coffee-cups while walking, generated among the participants a "new look" at themselves and gave insights into future possibilities and affordances (Gallagher and Daly, 2018). These experiences indicate that the reflective aspects of the individuals' self-pattern (including the narrative aspect) were updated and might have influenced how they identified themselves, which is in line with descriptions from individual settings (Gallagher, 2013;Normann, 2018;Normann, Sørgaard, Salvesen, and Moe, 2013).…”

“…Impairments and symptoms due to MS can disturb the lived body, with the result that one's outward orientation is also affected for instance in a decline of the quality and quantity of one's affordances (Gibson, 1986), and in the feeling of the "I can" (the sense that I can engage in some action) becoming the "I cannot" (Gallagher, 2017;Gibson, 1986). This change involves a loss of autonomy and one's sense of agency (Gallagher and Daly, 2018).…”

“…To explicate a deeper meaning of the participants' feelings of self in regard to body and movement, or the embodied self, we turned to the "Pattern Theory of Self" (Gallagher, 2013;Gallagher and Daly, 2018) and focused on the following factors: A) The experiential factors which imply: 1) bodily experiences related to bodyschematic and somatosensory functions; 2) sense of ownership for body and movement, which has strong somatosensory components; and 3) sense of agency or control of one´s movement, with strong motor components (Gallagher, 2012(Gallagher, , 2013Merleau-Ponty, 2013). Since these body functions and structures are often addressed in physiotherapy for individuals with MS, these insights could enlighten bodily experiences from the training.…”

Towards a Phenomenology of Self-Patterns in Psychopathological Diagnosis and Therapy

“…18 Indeed, on a complementary third-person approach one can say, as Fingelkurts and Fingelkurts [80] suggest, that changes in neurophysiology can “index” changes in the self-pattern, complementary to the way that narrative reflects such changes [84]. …”

“…According to PTS, self is not limited to internal or external elements; it is not any one of these elements, nor is it a simple list or collection of elements. The self is a pattern, a dynamical gestalt, and what is important is the connectivity and the dynamical relations of the self-aspects [84]. PTS not only clarifies and demonstrates the compatibility of the various interpretations of self, but also has the potential to afford a versatile and adaptable instrument for applied domains such as psychiatry.…”