Prof. Joseph Levine

Conversation 70: How are the personal, family, group, subcultural and national narratives expressed in the "self" according to our model?

By Prof. Levine & Dr. Salganik

Greetings to our readers,

Our model of mental life first assumes the existence of the "primary self", which is in fact the basic biological nucleus consisting of a number of innate structures and subject to increasing development during life, this self includes the instinctive emotional and cognitive parts of the person.

The primary self uses the reservoirs and mechanisms of emotion, memory and cognitive abilities and it contains primary nuclei for the future development of other mental structures.

Let's first refer to the primary self (biological predestined core): the primary self consists of innate biological structures and instincts that form the innate basis of the parts of the personality and it also included the cognitive processes and the emotional processes.

This primary self has its own dynamics during a person's life and is subject to changes with age, following illnesses, traumas, drug consumption, addiction, etc.

Both the instincts and the basic needs in each and every person change according to different periods of development and aging – (hence their effect on behavior) and may change through drugs, trauma, diseases and more.

Within the primary self is the potential for instrumental abilities that are innate, but they can also be promoted, or on the contrary, suppressed through the influence of the reference groups.

The primary self also has cognitive abilities that are partly innate and partly dependent on interactions with the environment during the first years of life.

In addition, it includes the temperament and emotional intelligence that are partly innate and partly dependent on interactions with the environment in the first years of life.

And finally, it includes an energy charge that is mostly innate but can be suppressed through the influence of the reference groups, as well as through various situational factors.

he primary self also includes the seven personal sensitivity channels: Individual Sensitivity Channels (ISC) which reflect our individual reactivity in response to stressors (both external and internal). So far we have identified seven channels of sensitivity:

1. Sensitivity regarding a person's status and position (the status channel).

2. Sensitivity to changes in norms (the norms channel).

3. Sensitivity in relation to emotional attachment to others (the attachment channel).

4. Sensitivity to threat (the threat channel).

5. Sensitivity to routine changes (the routine channel).

6. Sensitivity to a drop in the energy level and the ability to act derived from it (the energy channel).

7. Sensitivity to a variety of sensory proprioceptive aspects arising from the body (the proprioceptive channel).

The less sensitive the person is in these channels, the healthier he is mentally. Great sensitivity in one or more channels may demonstrate mental pathology.

An illustration depicting all the parts of the model for self

From the primary self, a number of superstructures gradually develop from innate nuclei that constitute a basis for the development of the infant and later the person during his life with the figures around him :

A] The group of the collection of internalized characters that we will metaphorically call the Board of Internalized Characters,

B] Internalized Enemies’ Group,

C] The group of the of internalized self-representations.

The board of internalized characters consists of the internalization of influential figures in his life, arranged in a hierarchical order [as mentioned, we metaphorically call the group of these internalizations the board of internalized characters or the board of directors or the directorate of internalized characters].

These characters have a continuous dialogue between them and sometimes even conflicts, when one or more internalized characters have the greatest influence on the individual's attitudes, feelings and behavior, which we called the "leader self" [a character formerly also called the "dictator self", see previous conversations].

The attitudes of the inner leader play a central role in making decisions about the internalization of information and characters. He decides whether to reject the internalization or, if accepted, in what form it will be internalized.

In other words, in a way, we assume that this influential figure is also a form of internal censorship. It should be emphasized that these are not concrete hypotheses regarding the presence of internalized figures in the inner world of the individual as a kind of "little people inside the brain", but rather in their representation in different brain areas whose nature and manner of representation still requires further research.

We will also note that although we call this figure the "inner leader", with the exception of a certain type, his characteristics are not the same as those of a ruler in a particular country, but rather that this figure is dominant and influential among the "directorate of figures".

It is possible that, similar to short-term memory, parts of which are transferred to long-term memory, also when it comes to the internalization of figures into the board of directors, there is a short-term internalization that, depending on the circumstances, the importance and duration of the character's influence, will eventually be transferred to long-term internalization in the array of internalized characters.

Below is the structure of the board of internalized characters: This board consists of "secondary characters" that include the following types:

1] Representations of internalized characters that originate from the significant characters that the person was exposed to during his life, but as mentioned, there may also be imaginary characters represented in books, movies, etc. that greatly influenced the person.

2] internalized representations of "subculture" [subculture refers to social influences in the environment in which a person lives and are not necessarily related to a specific person].

We emphasize that the individual is not aware that his actions, feelings and attitudes are caused by the dynamic relationships between these structured characters.

The figures demonstrate a hierarchy on the board where the figures higher in the hierarchy of influence on the board are referred to as an interbalized leader or internalized leaders. In most cases there is more than one internalized leader and there is also an influence on the other characters in the board according to their hierarchical position. Still, when there is just one dominant leader it may hint at some mental pathology according to the characteristics of the leader.

We will add that internalized key figures in the board of directors [usually human], usually refer to the significant people in a person's life who played central roles in shaping his beliefs, values ​​and self-concept. These figures may include family members, friends, mentors, teachers, or any other influential person who has left a lasting impression on the person's psyche. Sometimes, these will also include historical, literary and other figures that left a noticeable mark on the person and were internalized by him.

The term "internalized" implies that the influence of these key figures has been absorbed and integrated into the individual's thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. This internalization occurs through the process of observing, interacting with, and learning from these important people.

As a result, the individual may adopt certain values, perspectives, and approaches to life that mirror those of the influential figures. These internalized characters can serve as guiding forces in decision-making, moral thinking and emotional regulation.

Now we will note in addition that from the primary self there arises and is built from a potential nucleus at birth a structure that we will call the internalized enemies’ group.

Thus, in addition to the directorate of internalized characters, the social self also contains the "enemies’ group" and more precisely the "internalized enemies’ group" This is the place where the characters that threaten the person are internalized and where the dominant characters in the characters’ directorate prevent them from entering and being internalized in the directorate of characters [We assumed the existence of this group lately in light of a thought about the evolutionary need in the higher animals and up to man in creating such a group for their survival].

The characters in the "enemies’ group" are characters with a negative emotional value and are represented schematically relative to the characters in the board of internalized characters. We note that usually the transition between the “directorate board” and the “enemies’ group” is quite rare and usually happens following the traumatic or threatening event for a person. When the internalized enemies’ group is very dominant in a person's mental life, this may imply mental pathology.

In addition, from the primary self, as mentioned, a supergroup of self-representations develops in the different periods of life [for example, the representation of the self as a child, as a teenager, as an adult, etc.] including the representation of the body. The representation of the self in a certain sense is also a kind of container for the dynamical flow of information of emotional attitudes and behaviors from the board of internalized characters. If these self-representations are distorted or very agreeable or immature this might hint at mental pathology.

The following is one way to think about how different narratives – personal, family, group, subcultural, national, professional, etc. – arise and communicate within the subjective world of the individual, according to the model we presented above.

Essentially, any type of narrative is created through a dynamic interplay of:

The primary self (biological predestined core) – the basic biological/emotional/cognitive substrate;

Board of Internalized Figures – the system of internalized "figures" that influence the human psyche;

The internalized enemies’ group – representations of characters/events that are threatening or have a negative value;

The set of self-representations – internal images of "ME at different ages/situations" (child, teenager, adult, etc.).

Within this framework, each narrative type emerges and is shaped by these layers of internal processes and representations.

The personal narrative:

Your personal narrative is the ongoing story you tell yourself about who you are – your sense of identity, continuity over time, values and guiding principles.

How it might take shape within the model:

The primary self provides the innate temperament, emotional reactivity, cognitive abilities, and biological dispositions. This "raw material" affects the way you experience the world and the filters through which you interpret events.

The Board of Internalized Figures [metaphorically] contributes the inner voice of key caregivers, mentors, role models, and sometimes cultural/fictional figures who have shaped your sense of self.

Some of these inner voices become particularly dominant ("the dominant leader" or "the leader self").

Conflicts or alignments between these internalized characters create the emotional tone and content of your self-story (eg, supportive, critical, encouraging, challenging).

The enemies’ group (internalized enemies) adds a dimension of perceived threats, fears or traumas that can also shape your sense of self – and sometimes lead to defensive or avoidant strands in your personal narrative.

The collection of self-representations (your various self-representations [fed throughout life by the dynamics and aspects of the board and to some extent by the enemies’ group] threads together or binds together past, present and future "versions" of yourself, creating a coherent (or sometimes fragmented) personal timeline.

When your personal narrative is balanced and relatively flexible, it usually indicates that multiple internalized characters have influence—not just a single, rigid "leader." When one harsh and dominant internalized character or one threatening narrative consistently dominates everything else, personal narratives can become pathologically distorted or rigid.

The family narrative:

A family narrative is the shared (or sometimes contested) story a person holds about their family past and present, roles, values, and relationships.

How it is formulated within the model:

Internalized figures from the early caregivers (parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives) have a strong representation in the "board". These set the tone for how "family" is experienced emotionally.

The enemies’ group may include internalized threats within the family (eg, abusive relationships, major family conflicts) that do not fit easily into a positive family story.

The family narrative also emerges from the self-representations of the child and the adolescent – memories of how family members once treated them, which can strengthen or challenge the official "family story".

Over time, some new family "figures" (eg, in-laws, step-family, close family friends) may integrate or be excluded from the board – shaping and reshaping the family narrative in one's psyche.

Group narrative:

A group narrative is the story that defines a person's affiliation and role within a certain group – it can be a circle of friends, a religious group, a team, a social movement, etc.

How it is formulated within the model:

The internalized figures can include peers, leaders, or influential members of a social group who have shaped one's sense of belonging or identity in that group.

It is also possible to internalize certain representations of "subculture" – norms, symbols or collective values

of the group.

If tensions arise in the group (eg, power struggles, betrayals), certain group members may be pushed into the enemies’ group in the person's inner world – especially if they are perceived as threatening or harmful.

The group narrative is strengthened if the "leading figure" of the board (the internalized leader self) embraces the group's core ideals. If the leader figure is ambivalent or if there is a strong rival figure on the board, conflict about group membership or group identity can arise.

A subcultural narrative:

A subcultural narrative defines a person's belonging to a niche cultural segment – think youth subcultures, music scenes, alternative lifestyles, etc.

How it is formulated within the model:

Subcultural influences can be internalized as "characters" or "voices" that represent a particular style, set of values, or worldview (eg, punk, goth, hippie, geek culture, etc.).

If the subculture runs counter to mainstream family or social values, these "subculture figures" may clash with other dominant figures on the board. This can create internal conflicts around identity and belonging.

Over time, the subculture narrative may blend harmoniously into one's broader life story, or it may remain segregated in tension with other (familial, national, professional) narratives.

A national narrative:

A national narrative is the story that a person tells about his country or nation – its history, heroes, enemies, collective traumas and aspirations.

Influential national figures (leaders, historical heroes, cultural icons) can be internalized into the board of internalized figures. The school systems, the media, and social celebrations (eg, national holidays) reinforce these internalizations.

The perceived "enemies" of the nation can become part of the enemy group in the individual's psyche, especially if there is a strong cultural narrative that depicts a certain outgroup as threatening or hostile.

Individual self-representations (eg, the teenager who learned patriotic stories, the young man who served in the military or experienced overseas) contribute different perspectives to how one identifies with the nation's story.

If the national narrative is inconsistent with the individual's other narratives (eg, conflict with personal or group identity, or conflicting family experiences), internal tensions can arise.

Professional narrative:

A professional narrative is the story a person tells about their career path, professional identity, mentors, achievements and ethics.

How it is formulated within the model:

Mentors, teachers or role models in the chosen profession become significant figures who guide behavior, set standards and shape professional aspirations.

Professional ethics, norms, and subculture can be internalized in similar ways to other group/subcultural influences.

Conflicts with superiors or colleagues can be relegated to the enemies’ group, fueling anxieties or negative self-talk about professional competence or safety.

The self-representations change as the person gains new professional experiences – novice, experienced expert, close to retirement, etc. – each stage re-formulates the narrative of "who I am as a professional".

Other possible narratives:

Beyond the above, people can build narratives around:

Romantic/Relational: A story of love, attachment and intimacy. Introverted characters may be past partners or ideal romantic archetypes.

Spiritual/Religious: The story of one's faith or spiritual journey. Internalized holy figures, religious leaders or community norms shape it.

Socio-Political / Ideological: Larger socio-political identities or factors (eg, activist movements, political ideologies) may create separate narratives in an individual's psyche.

Health/Illness: Narratives around the body, well-being, illness or recovery from illness, often influenced by health professionals (internalized as guiding or threatening figures), family attitudes towards illness, etc.

Combining multiple narratives:

Dynamic interrelationships of internalized figures: each field (family, group, nation, profession) has key figures, which the leader or leaders in the "directorate of internalized figures" integrate as a subgroup or remove from the subgroup and lower down the hierarchy in the board at the same time certain figures embodying norms or contradictory values.

The role of the 'inner leader': a relatively healthy mind allows many inner figures (mentors, family members, cultural heroes) to influence, and not one leader [as a kind of absolute dictator]. This multiplicity fosters flexibility, adaptability and richer and more diverse narratives.

The effect of the "enemies’ group": When a certain narrative is perceived as threatening – for example, a conflicting ideology, family trauma – its representatives may be thrown by the leaders on the board into the "enemies’ group" instead of integrating. This may create rigid divisions within the inner world, fueling anxiety or hostility.

Self-representations over time: As a person grows, each stage of life adds layers to the different narratives. The integration (or non-integration) of these experiences, guided by the dynamics within the character board, shapes or influences the person's overall sense of self which becomes coherent or fragmented.

The effect of sensitivity channels:

The sensitivity channels described above will "color" each narrative and affect each of the groups with their characteristic sensitivity. This requires a separate conversation about the effects of the sensitivity channels on the various structures in the model [see also previous conversations].

The existence of a hierarchy between the narratives:

We note that in certain cultures and subcultures the hierarchy between the narratives changes. Thus, for example, in traditional Jewish families living in the diaspora, the family narrative and that of the religious group rise in the hierarchy above the national one.

On the other hand, in the culture of a rigid secular dictatorial state with threatening laws, the state narrative often prevails over the personal and the family, to extreme situations where children report their parents to the state if they violated some law or state rule.

In this case the personal narrative that is important in democracies with a long tradition of personal freedom and personal expression is overriden and the state narrative dominates the hierarchy.

Health versus pathology:

Mental health is related to flexible and adaptive interrelationships between internalized characters, to a balanced view of "enemies" and evolving self-representations that can accommodate new experiences without shattering the narrative.

Pathology may manifest itself when one internal figure becomes rigidly dominant or when the group of "enemies" overwhelms the person's self-concept.

Likewise, highly distorted self-representations or constant internal conflict in the board or an active and dominant enemies’ group can distort and sometimes shatter one's positive narratives.

If we summarize, each of these narratives – personal, family, group, subcultural, national, professional – can be understood as developing storylines anchored in the dynamic interrelationships of:

The primary self (biological core): innate abilities, emotional/energetic tendencies.

Board of internalized figures: internalized impacts of significant figures, real or symbolic, that influenced the person.

The Enemies’ Group: Internally threatening or antagonistic characters/events.

The collection of self-representations: internal images of oneself over time and contexts.

These elements work together – sometimes smoothly, sometimes in conflict – to produce the rich fabric of narratives through which people understand themselves and their place in the world.

That's it for now,

yours,

Dr. Igor Salganik and Prof. Joseph Levine