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Psychosomatic Plasticity: An "Emergent Property" of Personality Research?

Jawer, Michael (2006) Psychosomatic Plasticity: An "Emergent Property" of Personality Research? [Journal (Paginated)]

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Abstract

Psychosomatic plasticity, defined as an extreme capacity to turn suggestions into bodily realities, is as phenomenon well worth investigating, as it challenges mainstream conceptions about the relationship between mind and body in health as well as illness. The field of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) offers a framework within which to understand this phenomenon, as PNI makes a compelling case for the biological unity of self. Hartmann’s Boundaries concept is particularly applicable, as it suggests that the minds of ‘thin-boundary’ persons are relatively fluid and able to make numerous connections. Wilson and Barber’s identification of the fantasy prone person, and Thalbourne’s transliminality concept, are similarly relevant. Taking these explorations a step further, the author proposes that the flow of feeling within individuals represents the key to psychosomatic plasticity. Blushing, psoriasis, and immune reactions are offered as examples, as are more anomalous reports such as those provided by heart transplant recipients and cases said to be indicative of reincarnation. In each instance, persons who are highly sensitive (i.e., have a speedier and more direct flow of feeling) are more likely to evidence physical reactions. Psychosomatic plasticity represents an emerging area of interest in personality research, one that clearly merits further investigation.

Item Type:Journal (Paginated)
Keywords:neurobiology, sensitive, sensitivity, anomalous, trauma, stress, boundaries, somatic, somatization, psychosomatic, hypnosis, blushing, psoriasis, immune, absorption, fantasy-prone, emotion, transliminal, transliminality, dreams, personality, psychoneuroimmunology, PNI, memory, self, prodigy, reincarnation, heart, transplant, gastrointestinal
Subjects:Psychology > Psychobiology
Neuroscience > Neurophysiology
Psychology > Perceptual Cognitive Psychology
ID Code:4862
Deposited By: Jawer, Michael
Deposited On:29 Apr 2006
Last Modified:11 Mar 2011 08:56

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