Using Priming Methods to Address Self-Concept Problems That Arise From Deep Brain Stimulation

摘要

In their target article, Mecacci and Haselager (2014) argued as follows. Although deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been shown to be an effective treatment for particular disorders, there often are negative psychosocial effects. In their words, "DBS's potential impact on identity, personality, and self is well known in the literature" (32). Furthermore, Mecacci and Haselager cited literature in support of this contention, and provided examples of patients who indicated that they had thoughts such as not feeling like themselves after DBS. Although Mecacci and Haselager admitted that there could be other causes of the problem, they emphasized a brain centric view of identity, personality, and self as being primarily responsible. After citing a bit of psychological research showing that conceptual knowledge can influence behavior, they argued that the problem can be solved in two ways. First, doctors should hint at a larger view of the self and personality than as being dependent only on the brain (brain centrism). Second, they argued for a major cultural shift.