Prof. Joseph Levine, M.D. is an emeritus associate professor in the Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University in Israel. Prof. Levine is a certified psychiatrist with clinical experience in controlled trials of adult psychiatric disorders and in psychotherapy. He was awarded a NRSAD independent investigator grant for the study of Creatine Monohydrate in psychiatric disorders -- mainly Schizophrenia. He resides and treats patients in Tel Aviv and all of central Israel.
Conversation 80: The interrelationship between an external figure in reality and its internal representation: describing the dynamics according to the integrative social self model
Hello to our readers,
As stated in previous articles, in our model [the integrative social self model] the self includes the components of the human soul.
The model 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 further development throughout 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 contains primary nuclei for the future development of other mental structures.
Let us first consider the primary self (Biological Predestined Core): The primary self is composed of innate biological structures and instincts that constitute the innate basis of the parts of the personality and also includes cognitive processes and emotional processes. This primary self has its own dynamics throughout the person's life and is subject to changes with age, following illnesses, traumas, drug use, addiction, etc.
Both the instincts and basic needs of each person change according to different periods of development and aging – (and hence their influence on behavior) and may be altered by medications, trauma, diseases, etc. Within the primary self there is the potential for instrumental abilities that are innate, but they can also be promoted, or conversely, suppressed, through the influence of 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 temperament and emotional intelligence that are partly innate and partly dependent on interactions with the environment during the first years of life. Finally, it includes an energy charge that is mainly innate but can be suppressed through the influence of reference groups, as well as through various situational factors.
The primary self also includes the six personal sensitivity channels: Individual Sensitivity Channels (ISC) that reflect our individual reactivity in response to stressors (both external and internal). So far we have identified seven sensitivity channels:
1. Sensitivity to one's status and location (status channel)
2. Sensitivity to changes in norms (norm channel)
3. Sensitivity to emotional attachment to others (attachment channel)
4. Sensitivity to threat (threat channel)
5. Sensitivity to routine changes (routine channel)
6. Sensitivity to decreased energy levels and the ability to act derived from it (energy channel).
7. Proprioceptive sensitivity channel.
The less sensitive a person is in these channels, the healthier he is mentally. High sensitivity in one or more channels demonstrates mental pathology.
From the primary self, several superstructures develop from innate nuclei that constitute a primordial basis for development during the interaction of the infant and later the person throughout his life with the figures in his environment:
1. Experience coordinating agency
2. Three structures that together make up the secondary self or social self, these include:
A] The group of internalized figures that we will metaphorically call the board of directors of internalized figures,
B] The group of enemies that we will metaphorically call the “ememies’ group”,
C] The group of the self-representations.
Experience coordinating agency
Now we will note that from the primary self arises and is built from a potential nucleus at birth a structure that we will call Experience coordinating agency .
This structure is made up of three networks:
2] central executive network,
3] default mode network.
Over- or under-activity in any of these three networks suggests mental pathology. The role of this mechanism [Experience coordinating agency] is to review and observe the internal mental processes and the external reality processes. This mechanism has a role of evaluation and is also related to the interpretation of the events of reality and the internal mental events.
The collection of internalized figures that we will metaphorically call the "board of internalized figures" consists of the internalization of influential figures in the individual's life, arranged in a hierarchical order. These figures have an ongoing dialogue among them and sometimes even conflicts, with one or more internalized figures having the greatest influence on the individual's attitudes, feelings, and behavior, which we have called the "leader self" [a figure previously also called the "dictator self," see previous discussions].
The attitudes of the internal leader play a central role in making decisions about the internalization of information and figures. He decides whether to reject the internalization or, if accepted, in what form it will be internalized. In other words, in a sense, we assume that this influential figure is also a kind of internal censorship.
It should be emphasized that these are not concrete hypotheses about the presence of internalized figures in the individual's inner world as a kind of "little people inside the brain," but rather their representation in various brain regions whose nature and manner of representation still require further research. We should also note that although we call this figure the " leader self," with the exception of a certain type, its characteristics are not the same as those of a ruler in a particular country, but rather this figure is dominant and influential among the "board of internalized characters".
We note that the events and figures in the external world maintain a type of dialogue through the mediation of the Experience Coordinating Agency with the internalized figures in the board of directors [or with the group of enemies – see below] and may or may have an impact on the expression and sometimes even the hierarchy of the figures in the board of directors of the internalized figures.
In addition, it is possible that, similar to short-term memory, parts of which are transferred to long-term memory, when it comes to internalizing characters into the board of directors, there is short-term internalization, which, depending on the circumstances, importance, and duration of the character's influence, will ultimately be transferred to long-term internalization in the array of internalized characters.
The following is the structure of the internalized character board, 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 their life, but as mentioned, there may also be imaginary characters represented in books, films, etc. that have 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 note that the individual is usually unaware that his actions, feelings, and attitudes are caused by the dynamic relationships between these structured figures. The figures demonstrate a hierarchy in the board of directors, with the figures higher in the hierarchy of influence in the board of directors being referred to as an internalized leader or leaders.
In more stable mental state, there is commonly more than one internalized leader and there is also an influence for the other figures on the board according to their position in the hierarchy, while when there is just one dominant leader with rigid attutudes, this usually implies some mental pathology according to the characteristics of the leader.
We will add that key internalized figures on the board [usually human], usually refer to the significant people in a person's life who have played central roles in shaping their beliefs, values, and self-perception.
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 who have left a significant mark on the person and have been internalized by them.
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, and learning from these important people.
As a result, the individual may adopt certain values, perspectives, and approaches to life that reflect those of the influential figures. These internalized figures can serve as guiding forces in decision-making, moral reasoning, and emotional regulation (see Appendix B for thoughts on the collection of internalized figures).
The Internalized Enemies’ Group
Now we will further note that from the primary self arises and is built from a potential nucleus at birth a structure that we will call the enemies’ group.
Thus, in addition to the board of internalized characters, the social self also contains the "enemy group" and more precisely the "internalized enemy group." This is the place where the characters who threaten the person in a significant way are internalized and which the dominant characters in the board of characters prevent from entering and being internalized in the board of characters [We hypothesized the existence of this group in the past year in light of the evolutionary need for higher animals and humans to create such a group for their survival (see extensive reference to the subject of enemies below].
The characters in the "enemies’ group" are characters with negative emotional values and are represented schematically relative to the characters in the board of of internalized characters. We should note that generally the transition between the board of directors and the enemies’ group is not common or even rare and usually occurs following a traumatic or threatening event for the person.
When the enemies’group is very dominant in the person's mental life, this may indicate mental pathology.
The collection of self-representations
In addition to the primary self, a supergroup of self-representations develops, as mentioned, at different periods of life [for example, self-representation as a child, teenager, adult, etc.], including the representation of the body. Self-representation, in a certain sense, is also a kind of container for the flow of information about attitudes, feelings, and behaviors from the dynamics in the character board (see Appendix D for thoughts about the collection of self-representations).
Distorted or very schematic or immature self-representations suggest mental pathology.
Thoughts on the development of the components of the model throughout the individual's life
Having said this, we note that, similar to object relations theories, we believe that in the infant there is initially a positive representation of the caregiver and nursing figure on the board of directors, with a positive emotion, and another negative representation of the caregiver and nursing figure, with a negative emotion, while there are probably few such figures with such a dual representation as the mother and father.
These dual representations will gradually coalesce into one integrated representation over the next few years. In fact, we believe that it is emotion that allows a character or object to coalesce into a negative representation around a negative emotion or a positive one around a positive emotion.
Why then do these two integrate later in life into one representation? You might ask why there is no longer a split, for example, into a negative emotion of anger and a negative emotion of sadness or depression, into a positive emotion of joy, or into a positive emotion of love, and so on.
We will answer that a variety of shared character traits that are rooted in the representation of the face [see previous discussions] contribute to the integration and combination of the negative and positive characters.
However, there may be pathological cases, such as in borderline personality disorder [see previous blogs], where the split into a positive character and a negative character will remain in varying degrees when the dominant emotion in the person with the disorder evokes one representation or another.
In another case of multiple-personality disorder, the split into many characters may continue as previously asked, and this will be discussed in a separate article.
Incidentally, in the baby at the age of about 8 months, a fear of strangers appears, which we believe is the stage at which the board of directors of characters begins to form on the one hand, and on the other hand, another group that we call the enemies' group, where the negative representations of the characters are grouped.
At the age of 8 months, more and relatively superficial representations of new, unfamiliar people first move to the enemies’ group for protection, and only if the mother and her positive representation as the leading figure in the board of directors in the emerging characters appear with positive behavior toward the stranger can she calm the fear in the face of the stranger by saying, for example, "It's Uncle Daniel, don't be afraid”, etc.
This group, which we call the "enemies’ group," includes characters who pose a significant threat to the individual and whom the dominant characters in the character board prevent from entering and being internalized in the character board.
Similar to the representation of the mother, initially positive or negative, in the infant, a representation of the self develops from a primordial nucleus in the primary self, which is also initially dual and includes a positive and negative representation. These two representations gradually merge with development. At the same time, from a basic nucleus in the primary self, the reflective self develops.
We will now move on to discussing Reference Group Focused Ttherapy, abbreviated as RGFT.
This is a psychotherapeutic technique that emphasizes understanding and addressing the influence of internalized reference groups on people's psychological state. These reference groups usually consist of significant figures from the person's past, such as family members, teachers, or friends, whose attitudes, behavior, and expectations have been internalized and continue to unconsciously influence the person's feelings, thoughts, and behavior.
Unlike other therapeutic approaches that may focus on a unified "self" (such as Gestalt therapy), RGFT operates on the idea that people have multiple "selves," each shaped by different reference groups. These selves may represent different roles that the person internalizes from their social environment, especially those rooted in their early life or significant experiences.
RGFT treatment often involves identifying these internalized characters and examining their impact on the person's current behavior and mental state. By bringing these influences into conscious awareness, people can begin to separate themselves from unhelpful or negative aspects of these internalized characters, allowing for more conscious and healthy choices in their thoughts and behavior.
Our approach differs from other approaches, such as Jungian therapy, which focuses on universal archetypes, or Gestalt therapy, which emphasizes the present moment and the integration of different parts of the self. RGFT focuses more on the historical and social contexts that shape a person’s identity and behavior.
In conclusion, we include an illustration of the model and points about the different structures within it:
Experience Coordinating Agency:
A structure located in the primary self, comprising three brain networks: emotion, executive cognition, and default mode.
Overactivity or underactivity in these networks suggests mental pathology.
Function of the mechanism: Scanning and evaluating internal and external arrays, as well as interpreting internal and external events.
Directorate of internalized figures:
A collection of influential figures from life, arranged in a hierarchy, with ongoing dialogue and conflicts.
The figure of the "leader self" (like the "dictator self") influences decision-making and the internalization of information.
The internalized figures are representative of important people from life or imaginary figures.
The enemies’ group:
A group of negative internalized figures that threaten the person.
The influence of these figures is caused by traumatic events.
If the enemy figures are dominant, this may indicate mental pathology.
A developmental process of self-representations at different stages of life (as a child, teenager, adult).
Self-representations may indicate mental pathology if they are distorted or immature.
Here is a summary of the seven channels of sensitivity:
Status Channel – Sensitivity to one's status and position, and response to changes in one's social or social standing.
Norm Channel – Sensitivity to changes in social, ethical, or cultural norms, and the person's adaptation to these norms.
Attachment channel – sensitivity to emotional attachment to others and intimate relationships.
Threat channel – sensitivity to physical or mental threats, and response to a situation of danger or fear.
Routine channel – sensitivity to changes in routine or daily structure, and to feelings of discomfort or confusion when deviating from routine.
Energy channel – sensitivity to changes in personal energy levels and the ability to perform actions.
Proprioceptive channel – sensitivity to the individual's personal proprioceptive reactivity to internal sensations from his body or hypersensitivity in one of the senses to external stimuli.
The lower the sensitivity in these channels, the better the mental health. High sensitivity in a particular channel may indicate mental pathology.
Internalization and uniqueness in therapy:
The representations of the characters develop in the form of interaction with significant figures from the past.
RGFT (Reference Group Focused Therapy) focuses on understanding the impact of internalized reference groups on mental state.
RGFT differs from other therapeutic approaches in that it focuses on reference groups and the transition of multiple "selves" shaped by social and historical influences.
The goal of therapy: to raise awareness of internalized figures and deal with their negative effects on thoughts and feelings.
Below we will discuss the dialogue between an internalized figure in one of the internalized groups, and especially in the board of internalized figures, and the flow of information from that external figure in real life.
We will start by saying that every person constantly has a complex system of internal representations (“internalized figures”) and real figures in external reality—parents, spouses, colleagues, or public figures—at work.
According to the model described above, these figures in their intermalized existence reside in one of three supergroups:
(b) the internalized enemy group,
(c) the group of representations of the self at different stages of life).
It is argued that the constant encounter between the real character outside and its internalized representation creates a dynamic dialogue that directs emotions, cognition, and behavior.
The Brain Frameworks – Experience Coordinating Agency
The experience coordinating agency, already operating within the “primary self,” is composed of and intersects data from three brain networks: the emotional salience network, the cognitive-executive network, and the default mode network. It serves as a gateway: it receives the stimulus from the external image, compares it to the internalized representation, and influences—subject to the censorship of the “leader self” in the internalized characters’ board—whether and how to temporarily update the internal hierarchy.
The Dialogue Mechanism
| Stage | Process | Possible Outcome |
| A. Reception | The external figure is present (compliments, criticizes, ignores). Sensory-emotional signals reach the Experiential Coordination Network. | Activation of sensitivity channels (status, connection, threat, etc.). |
| B. Comparison | The Experiential Coordination Network compares the figure's reaction to the existing representation in the Directory of Figures or the Group of Enemies. | Mismatch creates dissonance; a match solidifies an existing representation. |
| C. Editing | The Leading Self checks whether to "introduce" new information into the Directory of Figures, whether to change hierarchy under the influence of the Experiential Coordination Network, or to reject it. | Updating (or blocking) of attitudes, schemas, and emotions. |
| D. Back Projection | Now the representations of the Directory Group or the Group of Enemies and the representations of the self react—internal speech, emotion, or overt action towards the external figure. | Strengthening of connection, increased alienation, or avoidance response. |
The flow is cyclical: each external action produces a temporary change until the internal system is corrected or preserved, which in turn affects future experience with that figure.
Normative versus pathological variations
Healthy functioning
Flexible hierarchy; several leadership figures balance each other.
The experience coordinating agency mediates updates in a graduated manner; conflicts are resolved in internal dialogue.
Moderate sensitivity in the sensitivity channels, anxiety is controlled.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Split — The internal representation of the external figure undergoes extreme fluctuations between idealization and depersonalization.
The experience coordinating agency is overwhelmed; the “leader self” has difficulty and fails to stabilize a hierarchy.
The threat channel and the attachment channel are overactive—a cycle of abandonment anxiety and tantrums.
Psychosis with paranoid content
The external figure is interpreted as threatening; quickly “transferred” to the enemies’ group.
Lack of distinction between internal representation and reality—internal voices are given external validity.
Overactivity in the default mode network and disruption of the emotional salience network.
“Stacking” in the hierarchy of the board of directors: the abusive figure remains in the position of dictatorial leader. Sometimes a certain traumatic figure for the person who was in the enemies’ group becomes so dominant that it infiltrates the board of directors into a leadership position.
The censorship of the leader in the board of directors blocks positive corrective information; the threat channel is constantly on high alert.
Distorted self-representations (guilt, shame); new relationships are perceived as threatening.
Background: Rebecca, 36, grew up with a critical mother who was a dominant figure in her internalized characters’ board. Today, her direct manager resembles her mother in her characteristics.
External event: The manager comments to Rebecca about an error in a report.
Through the experience coordinating agency, the activation of the status and threat channel is created; Rebecca compares the dismissive tone to the representation of the mother.
The leader self: Categorizes the principal as “that same mother figure” or allows the mother figure to rise in the hierarchy under the influence of the experience coordinating agency and prevents Rebecca from exploring alternatives.
Overt response: Rebecca feels shame and withdraws, avoids assertive discussion.
Result: The mother representation is dominant, the principal “climbs” in the hierarchy at the same time, and Rebecca’s self-esteem is damaged.
Intervention in the RGFT approach
The therapist helps to map the “inner mother” and separate the current stimulus from the internalization.
Through controlled exposure and reflective discourse, the “veto right” of the leader self is modified.
A possibility is created to choose an adaptive response—a substantive appeal to the manager instead of withdrawal.
The hot chair is a tool for this purpose [see previous discussion on the therapeutic technique in RGFT]
In conclusion, the dialogue between an internalized figure and a real figure occurs in a cyclical path controlled by the experience coordinating agency and the leader self, and shapes emotions, cognition, and behavior in real time.
Understanding the dynamics allows us to identify pathological patterns—such as the takeover of the enemies’ group or the monopoly of a dictatorial figure—and to develop targeted interventions, such as RGFT, that promote hierarchical flexibility and the restoration of more adaptive self-representations.
Yours,
Dr. Igor Salganik and Prof. Joseph Levine
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