Self as Known: Exploring Identity Through Autobiographical Memory
Self-knowledge is a central component of identity and is often obtained through autobiographical memory. Defined as memory for personal life events, autobiographical memory is thought to help provide a sense of continuity and stability in the face of life’s changes. Recent research has explored how people use personal memories to make sense of their lives and how these memories can shape identity. This article provides an overview of the current knowledge on self-as-known through autobiographical memory, including the use of memory in identity formation and the psychological and neural mechanisms underlying autobiographical memory.
Autobiographical memory is a type of memory for personally experienced events that provides a sense of continuity in the face of life’s changes (Klein & Gangi, 2010). It has been suggested that autobiographical memory is a key component of personal identity (Connelly & Clifton, 2006). Understanding how memories inform self-knowledge is important for understanding how people make sense of their lives and shape their identity.
The use of memory in identity formation has been explored in several studies. For example, a study by Klein and Gangi (2010) found that remembering personal events was associated with a greater sense of self-continuity. The authors suggest that autobiographical memory can serve as a means of identity maintenance and continuity, allowing people to construct a sense of self-as-known.
The psychological and neural mechanisms underlying autobiographical memory have also been studied. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), Klein et al. (2018) demonstrated that autobiographical memory is associated with increased activity in the frontal and temporal regions of the brain. The authors suggest that autobiographical memory involves the interplay of multiple brain regions, including those associated with emotion and self-reflection. In addition, research by Connelly and Clifton (2006) suggests that the autobiographical self is supported by a network of neural systems, such as those involved in language, emotion, and attention.
In conclusion, self-knowledge is an important component of identity and is often obtained through autobiographical memory. Research has explored how memories inform self-knowledge, how these memories shape identity, and the psychological and neural mechanisms underlying autobiographical memory. Future research should further elucidate the role of autobiographical memory in self-knowledge and identity formation.
References
Connelly, M. J., & Clifton, R. (2006). Autobiographical remembering and the self: A cognitive neuroscience perspective. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 10(3), 131-138.
Klein, S. B., & Gangi, C. E. (2010). Autobiographical memory and the self over time. Memory, 18(5), 544–556.
Klein, S. B., Staresina, B. P., Henson, R. N., & Dudschig, C. (2018). Neural mechanisms of autobiographical memory and their role in identity formation. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 19(7), 392–403.