Self-Processing and Self-Face Reaction Time Latencies: A Review

Abstract

In this article, we detail the advantages of self-face identification latencies over more traditional tests of mirror self-recognition. Using reaction time latencies (measured in milliseconds) to identify different dimensions of the self, instead of relying on a simple dichotomous pass/fail mirror mark-test outcome, enables investigators to examine individual differences in self-processing time. This is a significant methodological step forward with important implications. The point of departure for our article is to detail research we and others have conducted on latencies for self-face identification, to show how self-processing occurs in the right side of the brain, how schizophrenia is a self-processing disorder, how self-face reaction time latencies implicate the existence of an underlying multiple modal self-processing system, and to explore ideas for future research.

Differences in own-face but not own-name discrimination between autistic and neurotypical adults: A fast periodic visual stimulation-EEG study

“…Given the high social relevance of faces and names, and the high self-relevance of one's own face and name, the detection of one's own face or name among those of others is the most widely used measure of self-processing. For example, the processing of one's own face ( Bortolon & Raffard, 2018 ; Gallup & Platek, 2021 ) and own name ( Yang et al., 2013 ) has known reaction time advantages over those of familiar and unfamiliar others. In addition, fMRI studies show that seeing one's own face ( Platek et al., 2008 ; Sugiura, 2015 ) as well as seeing or hearing one's own name ( Carmody & Lewis, 2006 ; Tacikowski et al., 2013 ) result in distinct patterns of brain activation in comparison to other faces and names.…”