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Positioning microanalysis: studying the self through the exploration of dialogical processes.
João Salgado1, Carla Cunha, Tiago Bento
1Research Center at the Center for Cognitive-Behavioral Studies and Intervention/ISMAI, Av. Carlos Oliveira Campos, Avioso S. Pedro, 4475-690 Maia, Portugal. jsalgado@ismai.pt
Integrative Psychological & Behavioral Science
|June 26, 2013
Summary
This study introduces positioning microanalysis, a new method for observing how self-positions change over time in dialogical self processes. It helps understand self-continuity within psychological multiplicity.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Dialogical Self Theory
- Psychotherapy Research
Background:
- Self-multiplicity is recognized, but understanding self-continuity remains a challenge.
- Dialogical approaches are promising but require compatible methodologies.
- Existing methods lack external observer utility for tracing dialogical self dynamics over time.
Observation:
- A review of current methods for studying the dialogical self and psychotherapy revealed a methodological gap.
- There is a need for a systematic method to trace the temporal unfolding of self-positions.
- External observers require tools to analyze the dynamic nature of selfhood.
Findings:
- Positioning microanalysis is introduced as a novel method to address limitations in studying dialogical self processes.
- This method adopts a genetic-developmental perspective, enabling the depiction of microgenetic movements of self-positions.
- It facilitates the identification of stable sequences and patterns in self-position dynamics over time.
Implications:
- Positioning microanalysis offers a systematic way to study the dialogical self, enhancing our understanding of self-continuity.
- The method's application to an emotion-focused therapy session demonstrates its practical utility.
- This approach can advance research on selfhood processes and therapeutic interventions.
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