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Cited by 2Identity, Memory, and TherapyPhilosophy and Theoretical SciencePersonality Traits and Psychology

Self Identity through the Lens of Awareness Integration Theory: Encouraging Novel Empirical Research to Uncover Molecular Neurobiological Correlates

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Zeine, Foojan·2025·Medical Research Archives
DOI 10.18103/mra.v13i3.6294
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Abstract

This perspective paper addresses the multifaceted inner mechanism of self-awareness and self- identity developmental milestones as vital pathways to achieving evolutionary survival techniques, life satisfaction, and optimized psychopathology while discussing the Awareness Integration Theory as a sustainable model to assist individuals in overcoming obstacles to inadequacy in proper self-inventory needed for healthy self-development. In this paper, we espoused why AIT may offer a novel strategic approach when integrated into a self-help program, and these applied concepts and theories of self-identity principles and phases. A vital tenant herein posits that applying self-identity theory and concepts through the lens of AIT is an effective and efficient approach to becoming aware of our various self-identities and consciously generating a flexible, adaptable, and workable identity regardless of what life brings forth. As a dedicated clinical and scientific team to provide putative new clinically relevant targets incorporating AIT principles and embracing AIT's six phases to build self- identity, it fosters an effortless presentation of our identity when we are congruent and aims for integration with integrity. Based on our preliminary pharmacogenomic research and initial findings, we encourage the scientific community to confirm further or refute these Genome- Wide Association Studies (GWAS)-based deep in silico PGx analyses for both self and identity and for personality disorders in general. The article discusses different concepts of self as defined based on philosophical accounts, psychological, and cognitive as well as neuroscientific data on self and self-reference and how these multidisciplinary ideas are complementary. Finally, both philosophical and neuroscientific accounts are directly compared with each other while, at the same time, their relevance for the psychoanalysis of self and ego is pointed out.

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  • AIT facilitates recovery by guiding individuals through structured self-awareness and identity exploration.

    “AIT facilitates recovery by guiding individuals through structured self-awareness and identity exploration, allowing them to examine how past experiences, emotional patterns, and internalized beliefs have shaped a substance-centered or maladaptive identity.”

    From Beyond Stigma–Integrating Neurobiology, Genetics, and Awareness Integration Theory in Addiction Recovery (2026) · cites this paper as [102]

    The “Internal Working Mechanism of AIT on Achieving Life Satisfaction” section (page unavailable) describes a six-phase, directed process for examining self-identities, past experiences, emotions, and negative core beliefs. It does not establish that AIT facilitates substance-use recovery or specifically addresses a substance-centered identity; those applications extend beyond the passage. (LLM, conf=0.85)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • As individuals develop a clearer and more integrated self-identity, substances are no longer relied upon to regulate emotions, manage stress, or define self-worth, strengthening intrinsic motivation and supporting sustained recovery.

    “As individuals develop a clearer and more integrated self-identity, substances are no longer relied upon to regulate emotions, manage stress, or define self-worth, thereby strengthening intrinsic motivation for change and supporting sustained recovery.102”

    From Beyond Stigma–Integrating Neurobiology, Genetics, and Awareness Integration Theory in Addiction Recovery (2026) · cites this paper as [102]

    The section on the unintegrated belief-emotion-body state says self-identity can influence motivation and emotional self-regulation, and the Conclusion describes adopting chosen values as part of a new identity. Neither passage says that a more integrated identity ends reliance on substances to manage emotions, stress, or self-worth, or that it supports sustained addiction recovery. (LLM, conf=0.78)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • AIT supports reconstruction of a coherent, values-based sense of self that replaces addiction-driven narratives with self-efficacy, accountability, and purpose.

    “Through its integrative process—addressing cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and somatic dimensions AIT supports the reconstruction of a coherent, values-based sense of self that replaces addiction-driven narratives with self-efficacy, accountability, and purpose.”

    From Beyond Stigma–Integrating Neurobiology, Genetics, and Awareness Integration Theory in Addiction Recovery (2026) · cites this paper as [102]

    The Conclusion’s descriptions of phases four through six support integrating thoughts, emotions, and bodily experiences, replacing negative beliefs, and building an identity around chosen values, goals, and accountability. They do not say that AIT replaces addiction-driven narratives specifically, or establish self-efficacy as an outcome of that process. (LLM, conf=0.86)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Within AIT, self-identity is a central mechanism in addiction recovery, as addictive behaviors are often rooted in fragmented self-concepts, unresolved core beliefs, and a diminished sense of agency.

    “Within the framework of Awareness Integration Theory (AIT), self-identity is understood as a central mechanism in addiction recovery, as addictive behaviors are often rooted in fragmented self-concepts, unresolved core beliefs, and a diminished sense of agency.”

    From Beyond Stigma–Integrating Neurobiology, Genetics, and Awareness Integration Theory in Addiction Recovery (2026) · cites this paper as [102]

    The ‘Internal Working Mechanism of AIT on Achieving Life Satisfaction’ section describes integrating divided parts of the self and identifying negative core beliefs. ‘Contextual Factors’ lists addictions among the areas in which AIT explores self-identity. Neither passage says that self-identity is a central mechanism in addiction recovery or that addictive behaviors are often rooted in fragmented self-concepts, unresolved beliefs, and diminished agency. Page numbers are unavailable in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.84)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

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Authors
Zeine, F.
Affiliations
California State University, Long Beach (US)
Corresponding author
Zeine, Foojan
ORCID
Zeine, Foojan
Venue
Medical Research Archives
Publisher
Knowledge Enterprise Journals
Published
2025
Volume
13
Issue
3
ISSN
  • 2375-1916 (ISSN-L)
  • 2375-1924
DOI
10.18103/mra.v13i3.6294
OpenAlex
W4409078259
Cited by
2
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 2
FWCI
4.01
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
Medical Research Archives (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Identity, Memory, and Therapy
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Philosophy and Theoretical Science
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Personality Traits and Psychology
Keywords
self-identity, self-awareness, self-identity development, self-help programs, neurobiological correlates, pharmacogenomics, personality disorders, self-reference, philosophy of mind, identity flexibility

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