What is the implicit self in infancy? A classification and evaluation of current theories on the early self

Abstract

Developmental science is increasingly interested in investigating the early ontogeny of the so-called implicit self. It is supposed to be a non-conceptual form of self including the experiences of agency and bodily ownership. Several theories have been proposed to account for the development of an implicit self and have inspired lines of empirical investigations. However, comparing these theories is difficult because the extent to which they rely on similar concepts is unclear, which in turn prevents systematic evaluation. This paper aims to provide an overview of currently influential theories on the development of the implicit self. It advances the debate by classifying the theories as either positing a unified implicit self, multiple implicit selves, or no self at all. The core assumptions of each theory are derived based on a comprehensive set of criteria, and evaluated using current empirical research. This overview proposes research directions that would enable further theoretical understanding of the ontogeny of the implicit self.