Psychology

Modes of tension work within the complex self

Document Type

Article

Abstract

As part of increased attention to the complexity of 'self' and subjectivity, Falmagne recently presented a theory in which 'self' is seen as constituted through the dialectic among processes at societal, local and 'personal' (i.e., agentive) levels. The 'self', so constituted, can be hybrid and filled with tensions, yet it remains substantial rather than fluid. Building from this perspective and related approaches, the aim of this article is to contribute to the growing understanding of self complexity by focusing on how individuals create cohesive 'selves' and 'minds' despite the presence of tension and contradiction. Our focus involves a detailed textual analysis of the 'tension work' that individuals perform as they reason through contradictory beliefs. Based on these analyses, this article identifies three unique strategies for creating cohesion amidst contradiction. Copyright © 2008 SAGE Publications.

Publication Title

Culture and Psychology

Publication Date

2008

Volume

14

Issue

1

First Page

95

Last Page

113

ISSN

1354-067X

DOI

10.1177/1354067X07082749

Keywords

complexity, contradiction, dialectic, mind, self, tension work

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