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Related Concept Videos

Self-Awareness and Its Effects01:21

Self-Awareness and Its Effects

Self-awareness is a psychological state in which the individual becomes the focal point of their attention. This inward focus transforms the self into an object of contemplation and assessment, influencing how individuals perceive their actions and their alignment with personal and societal standards.Triggers and Contexts for Self-AwarenessSelf-awareness can be activated by external stimuli that make individuals visually or audibly aware of themselves, such as mirrors, cameras, or recordings.
Behaviorism01:28

Behaviorism

The field of behaviorism was pioneered by figures such as Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner fundamentally shifted the focus of psychology to the observable and controllable aspects of human and animal behavior. This shift marked a critical evolution in the discipline, emphasizing scientific rigor and experimental methodology.
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
Behavior Modification01:21

Behavior Modification

Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
Introduction to Biological Bases of Psychology01:30

Introduction to Biological Bases of Psychology

Biopsychology serves as a vital bridge connecting the intricate domains of biology and psychology, shedding light on how biological systems influence psychological phenomena. This field scrutinizes the biological substrates of behavior and mental processes, emphasizing the nervous system along with the roles of neurotransmitters, hormones, and genetics. It also incorporates evolutionary perspectives to explain the adaptive nature of mental functions.
The nervous system, the cornerstone of...
Understanding the Self01:28

Understanding the Self

The self is a central aspect of human identity, encompassing an individual’s beliefs, emotions, perceptions, and experiences. It is a cognitive and psychological construct that enables individuals to interpret their traits and behaviors, influencing how they perceive themselves and interact with the world. While personality consists of stable and enduring characteristics, the self is shaped by self-perception and social experiences. This distinction highlights the dynamic nature of the self,...
Nonconscious Mimicry01:13

Nonconscious Mimicry

Nonconscious mimicry occurs when individuals alter their mannerisms to match the behaviors and expressions of those nearby, without intention.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Investigating the Function of Deep Cortical and Subcortical Structures Using Stereotactic Electroencephalography: Lessons from the Anterior Cingulate Cortex
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Investigating the Function of Deep Cortical and Subcortical Structures Using Stereotactic Electroencephalography: Lessons from the Anterior Cingulate Cortex

Published on: April 15, 2015

Self-awareness: behavior analysis and neuroscience.

Travis Thompson1

  • 1University of Minnesota School of Medicine and Minnesota Early Autism Project.

The Behavior Analyst
|April 6, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Self-awareness, a key human skill, is linked to specific brain functions. Early, intensive behavior therapy can help children, including those with autism spectrum disorder, develop self-awareness despite brain differences.

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Decoding Natural Behavior from Neuroethological Embedding
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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 23, 2026

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A Modified Mirror Test as a Visual Guide for the Self-awareness Trait in Wild Antarctica Penguins, Pygoscelis adeliae
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08:00

Decoding Natural Behavior from Neuroethological Embedding

Published on: October 3, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Behavior analysis
  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental psychology

Background:

  • Self-awareness is an autoclitic discriminative behavior with implications for understanding social cognition.
  • Brain imaging reveals that localized dysfunctions, not generalized abnormalities, are critical for acquiring self-awareness skills.
  • Individual differences in self-awareness stem from a combination of early learning environments and the extent of brain structure dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the relationship between brain function, behavior, and the development of self-awareness.
  • To investigate the impact of brain dysfunction on the acquisition of self-awareness.
  • To examine the efficacy of behavioral interventions for self-awareness in specific populations.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing brain imaging findings within a behavior analysis framework.
  • Analyzing the effects of teaching contingencies and brain structure integrity on self-awareness development.
  • Evaluating the outcomes of early, intensive behavior therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder lacking self-awareness.

Main Results:

  • Individuals with localized brain dysfunctions are more likely to acquire self-awareness skills compared to those with generalized brain abnormalities.
  • Early childhood experiences and the degree of brain dysfunction significantly influence the development of self-reflective abilities.
  • Approximately 50% of children with autism spectrum disorder who initially lack self-awareness skills can acquire them to some degree with intensive early behavior therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Self-awareness acquisition is influenced by both neurological factors and environmental interventions.
  • Targeted behavioral interventions show promise for enhancing self-awareness in children with developmental disorders.
  • Understanding the neurobehavioral underpinnings of self-awareness is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.