The dialogical self is a psychological concept that explains how our minds can create different viewpoints or conversations within us. One can describe the ability to maneuver between different “I-positions", also called voices, roles, or perspectives, inside us in several ways - depending on the focus. One way to do so is to call it internal dialogue, which is similar to how we talk with others. Dutch psychologist Hubert Hermans started developing Dialogical Self Theory (DST), which centers on this concept, in the 1990s. DST brings together the concepts of ‘self’ and ‘dialogue’. It describes the connection between the individual and society.

 

Most of us think of ‘the self’ as a feature inside us, and regard dialogue as an exchange between people. The ‘dialogical self’ idea blends these concepts, as what is outside can become part of our inner world, and our inner world can shape how we communicate with others and experience the outer world. We can describe the self as a ‘society of mind’ that comprises many ‘self- or I-positions’ that interact. As other people and groups, or society, become part of our inner world, our selves include both internal positions (like ‘I as a mother,’ 'I as a manager,’ or ‘I as a theater person) and external ones (like ‘my daughter,’ 'my assistants,’ or ‘the ensemble I am a part of’). In other words, others outside us form part of who we are. There are real others on the outside and devised others inside us.

 

These “others” within can give rise to concerns such as self-consensus, self-conflict, self-deliberation, and self-criticism. They exist inside us, as in: 'As a person who thinks for himself, I disagree with being manipulated’. They can also be part of our inner and outer worlds: 'I want to skip classes this week, but my professor’s voice inside is critical', or even include external positions: 'The way my partner interacts with his family caused my decision to end the relationship'. These examples show that the line between the individual and the outside world is sometimes unclear. DST regards the self as a 'society of mind' composed of external and internal positions. If one or more positions silence or stifles another, a single-voiced perspective takes over. When we recognize and honor different positions, both inside and outside, relationships can grow and develop, both within ourselves and with those on the outside.

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Dialogical Self Theory (DST) entails techniques that enable two or more I-positions (also called self-aspects, internal voices, or parts) to speak to each other, negotiate, adapt, resolve conflicts, and work in concert toward your best interests.

 

Integrating fragmented or opposing I-positions by harmonizing these internal voices enhances insight, deepens self-knowledge, and fosters personal growth and change.

 

Constructive internal discussions enable straightforward decision-making, foster new perspectives, and transform relationships among I-positions, making your life easier.

 

The Focusing course creates the foundation for Dialoguing.

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Register for my Dialoguing course and learn how to attain far-reaching transformations by accessing, communicating with, and negotiating between

more than one internal voice at the same time

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