Abstract:

Dialogical Self theory (DST) is proposed by Hubert J. M. Hermans in the 1990s. This theory is influenced by James’ I-me distinction, a postmodern narrative approach and inspired by the polyphonic novel. In the framework of DST, the self is deconstructed into a dynamic imaginary space filled with inside and outside positions in intertwined dialogue. By taking the I-position, the other plays a significant role in the establishment and development of the self. The ways that inner dialogue shapes personality and multiple positions in self have become the new focus in empirical studies. The model of a nonlinear dynamic system is used to indicate the dynamic and complex development of the dialogical self, which is the transcendence of self-study within the scientific paradigm. Future research should pay attention to theory deficiency, giving more emphasis on the function of I and learning from Eastern psychology to address the problem of "how the subject studies itself".

Key words: dialogical self, dialogue, position, the other, I