Sensorimotor foundations of self-consciousness in utero
Delafield-Butt, Jonathan and Ciaunica, Anna (2024) Sensorimotor foundations of self-consciousness in utero. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 59. 101428. ISSN 2352-1546 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2024.101428)
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Abstract
We review recent work that examines the genesis of a prereflective self-consciousness in utero in humans. We focus on observable behaviours that suggest a state of anticipatory perceptual awareness evident in the foetal period and the foetus’ first expression of agency through self-generative engagement with it. This predictive, anticipatory awareness is first evident in the prospective sensorimotor organisation of bodily movements of the second-trimester foetus, revealing an early adaptive awareness and agency that establishes the foundation for additional forms of abstract, reflective, and conceptually backed conscious experience in adults. Advanced understanding of these early sensorimotor foundations of psychological development and health may afford a better understanding of adult human consciousness, the nature of its early ontogeny, and its particular expression mediated by the integrative nervous system.
ORCID iDs
Delafield-Butt, Jonathan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8881-8821 and Ciaunica, Anna;-
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Item type: Article ID code: 89730 Dates: DateEvent1 October 2024Published24 June 2024Published Online6 June 2024AcceptedSubjects: Medicine > Internal medicine > Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry Department: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) > Strathclyde Institute of Education > Education
Strategic Research Themes > Health and WellbeingDepositing user: Pure Administrator Date deposited: 25 Jun 2024 15:43 Last modified: 01 Oct 2024 09:53 URI: https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/89730