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Related Concept Videos

Understanding Self-Concept01:20

Understanding Self-Concept

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The self-concept encompasses individuals' beliefs about themselves, structured through cognitive frameworks known as self-schemas. These schemas function as mental representations of specific traits or behaviors, influencing how self-relevant information is perceived, processed, and remembered. For example, individuals who are schematic for body weight are more likely to interpret routine experiences—such as dining out or shopping—through the lens of that trait. Conversely, those...
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Self-Discrepancy Theory02:45

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One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.  
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Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects01:29

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Self-discrepancy theory explains how people compare their actual self to their ideal and ought selves and how mismatches between these self-guides can lead to emotional distress. Developed by E. Tory Higgins, the theory distinguishes among three components of self-concept: the actual self, the ideal self, and the ought self. These refer respectively to how individuals perceive themselves, how they aspire to be, and how they believe they are obligated to be. Emotional well-being, self-esteem,...
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Understanding the Self01:28

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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...
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The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison02:57

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According to Charles Cooley, we base our image on what we think other people see (Cooley 1902). We imagine how we must appear to others, then react to this speculation. We don certain clothes, prepare our hair in a particular manner, wear makeup, use cologne, and the like—all with the notion that our presentation of ourselves is going to affect how others perceive us. We expect a certain reaction, and, if lucky, we get the one we desire and feel good about it. But more than that, Cooley...
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Self-Concept01:19

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Self-concept is the cognitive and emotional understanding individuals hold about their identity. It evolves through various developmental stages, beginning in infancy and maturing as children grow. This concept influences how individuals perceive their abilities, interact with others, and manage challenges throughout life.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Exploring the Neural Correlates of Cognitive Reappraisal in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Task-based Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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Reduced orbitofrontal cortical volume is associated with interdependent self-construal.

Shinobu Kitayama1, Kuniaki Yanagisawa2, Ayahito Ito3

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48103; kitayama@umich.edu.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|July 14, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Brain structure influences how we see ourselves. Lower orbitofrontal cortex volume, combined with strong object imagery, predicts a more interdependent self-construal, emphasizing social connections over personal goals.

Keywords:
interdependenceorbitofrontal cortexself-construalvoxel-based morphometry

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Social Psychology
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Interdependent self-construal defines the self through social relationships and obligations.
  • Individuals with interdependent self-construal prioritize social duties and environmental awareness over personal goals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between brain structure and interdependent self-construal.
  • To determine if neuroanatomical differences predict how individuals perceive themselves in relation to others.

Main Methods:

  • Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used on 135 Japanese young adults.
  • Assessment included independent and interdependent self-construals and object imagery capabilities.

Main Results:

  • Cortical volume in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) inversely predicted interdependent self-construal.
  • High interdependent self-construal was observed in individuals with low OFC volume and high object imagery.

Conclusions:

  • Orbitofrontal cortex volume is a neurobiological correlate of interdependent self-construal.
  • Interdependence involves reduced self-focus (low OFC volume) and heightened environmental attunement (high object imagery).