ON HEARING AND SEEING ONESELF

Abstract

Self-confrontation by audio- and videotape has been used in a variety of contexts. Most reports stress its salutary effects on learning and in achieving objectivity toward oneself. An analysis of the procedure stresses the perceptual aspects of the situation. Laboratory experiments strongly suggest that personality qualities are mediated by expressive behavior and these peremptorily confront a subject in the self-confrontation situation, thus momentarily deautomatizing his typical defensive stance toward himself. The method thus widens the realm for self-exploration. Therapeutic use requires integration of the method within a technique of psychotherapy, for it cannot be considered a method of therapy by itself. Evaluations of its effects and effectiveness in psychotherapy are called for.