Cited by 502Memory Processes and InfluencesPhilosophy and Theoretical ScienceIdentity, Memory, and Therapy

The Integrative Self: How Self-Reference Integrates Perception and Memory

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Sui, Jie, Humphreys, Glyn W.·2015·Trends in Cognitive Sciences

Abstract

We propose a new account of how self-reference affects information processing. We report evidence that self-reference affects the binding of memory to source, the integration of parts into perceptual wholes, and the ability to switch from a prior association to new associations. Self-reference also influences the integration of different stages of processing, linking attention to decision making, and affects the coupling between brain regions mediating self-representation and attention to the environment. Taken together, the data suggest that self-reference acts as a form of 'integrative glue' which can either enhance or disrupt performance, depending on the task context. We discuss the implications for understanding the self, and future directions for research.

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Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1016/j.tics.2015.08.015

Cites

78 of 78 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • The cognitive functions and neural circuits that underlie HORs are also required for conscious experiences involving the self, including emotional states involving the self.

    “The cognitive functions (working memory, attention, metacognition, and so forth) and neural circuits (especially prefrontal circuits) that underlie HORs are also required for conscious experiences involving the self, including emotional states involving the self (145, 156-162).”

    From A higher-order theory of emotional consciousness (2017) · cites this paper as [156]

    The section 'Self-Reference Enhances the Coupling Between Brain Regions' (page unavailable) links prefrontal circuits and attention-related regions to self-processing and suggests that changes in their connectivity may play a causal role in self-awareness. It does not establish that working memory, attention, metacognition, or circuits underlying HORs are required for conscious experiences of the self, including self-related emotional states. (LLM, conf=0.84)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • The postulation of a self to which information is relevant makes a difference to the integrity of representations.

    “The postulation of a self to which information is relevant makes a difference to the integrity of representations.”

    From Self unbound: ego dissolution in psychedelic experience (2017) · cites this paper as Sui and Humphreys (2015)

  • Self-reference enhances the neural coupling between regions concerned with a core self-representation (vmPFC) and with distinct domain-specific regions associated with different components of the self, including self-related attention (LpSTS).

    “Dynamic causal modelling of fMRI data showed ‘self-reference enhances the neural coupling between regions concerned with a core self-representation (vmPFC) and with distinct domain-specific regions associated with different components of the self, including self-related attention (LpSTS)’ (Sui and Humphreys 2015, 724).”

    From Self unbound: ego dissolution in psychedelic experience (2017) · cites this paper as Sui and Humphreys 2015, 724

  • Panksepp's emotion theory can be reconceived as a first-order emotion theory.

    “Panksepp's (5, 114) emotion theory described above can be reconceived as a first-order emotion theory.”

    From A higher-order theory of emotional consciousness (2017) · cites this paper as [114]

    The paper’s Conclusion discusses how self-reference integrates perception and memory, not Panksepp’s emotion theory. Searches for “Panksepp” and “first-order emotion theory” found no passage in our copy addressing the claimed reconception. The available passages have no page numbers. (LLM, conf=0.76)

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Cites

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Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. [1]1. Freud, S. (1949) The Ego and the Id, The Hogarth Press
  2. [35]35. Raab, D.H. (1962) Statistical facilitation of simple reaction times. Trans. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 24, 574-590

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Authors
Sui, J., & Humphreys, G. W.
Affiliations
University of Oxford (GB)
Corresponding author
  • Sui, Jie
  • Humphreys, Glyn W.
Venue
Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2015-12
Volume
19
Issue
12
Pages
719-728
ISSN
1364-6613 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W1622910632
Cited by
502
References
78
Citations by year
2026: 54 · 2025: 52 · 2024: 73 · 2023: 54 · 2022: 48 · 2021: 59 · 2020: 43 · 2019: 36 · 2018: 37 · 2017: 31 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 2
FWCI
2.68
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Trends in Cognitive Sciences (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • The University of Bath Online Publications Store (The University of Bath) (submittedVersion)
  • Pure (University of Bath) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Funders
  • Wellcome Trust
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project 31371017, 31371017)
  • Economic and Social Research Council (ES/J001597/1, UK, ES/J001597/1)
  • FP7 Ideas: European Research Council (323883)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Philosophy and Theoretical Science
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Identity, Memory, and Therapy
Keywords
self-reference, self-representation, memory binding, source memory, perceptual integration, attention, decision-making, associative memory, attentional shift
MeSH terms
Decision Making, Humans, Memory, Mental Processes, Perception, Self Concept

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