Humans locate their sense of self in different body parts, and this mental positioning shapes how they approach relationships and decisions, according to research explored by New Scientist columnist David Robson.
People who mentally place their "self" in their head tend toward analytical thinking and emotional distance. Those who locate it in their heart gravitate toward empathy and emotional connection. Robson examines how this subjective sense of embodiment, known as the locus of self, influences behavior across multiple life domains.
The research draws on embodied cognition theory, which posits that abstract concepts like identity root themselves in physical sensation. When people consciously shift where they imagine their self residing, they can access different cognitive and emotional modes. Someone habitually centered in their head might benefit from practices that ground their sense of self in the heart or gut, potentially unlocking greater emotional openness and intuitive decision-making.
Conversely, those predominantly heart-centered could strengthen their analytical capabilities by mentally repositioning their self upward.
This practice appears relevant for interpersonal dynamics. Individuals whose self-location differs from their partner's may experience friction in communication styles. A head-dominant person might perceive a heart-dominant partner as irrational, while that partner views the other as cold. Learning to shift one's locus of self offers a bridge between these perspectives.
The implications extend to decision-making quality. Pure analytical thinking misses emotional and relational dimensions, while pure emotional processing can overlook practical constraints. Flexible movement between these body-based perspectives may enable more holistic choices.
Robson notes that this concept connects to contemplative traditions like yoga and meditation, which have long emphasized awareness of different bodily centers. Modern neuroscience increasingly validates these ancient insights about how physical sensation informs psychological experience.
The limitation remains that most research in this area relies on self-report and small studies. Larger, controlled investigations