Imaging as Intrapersonal Communication: A Conceptualization.

Imaging is creating a material picture in the mind that a person can scan as he or she would scan a real current event in the environment. The concept of imaging offers a way of explaining intrapersonal communication, the process of talking to oneself. Imaging also offers a useful way of looking at the role of language in intrapersonal communication, especially as language functions to make meaning. Intrapersonal communication often involves creating a homunculus, or "little man," with whom one can communicate about oneself. A homunculus becomes imaging as one pictures the self as an object to be perceived. Related to imaging a homunculus would be imaging the "internal advisor" and imaging the "other." Dreams, fantasies, and free associations are also related to imaging. Dreams are a form of intrapersonal communication that offer a resource for personal expression, mental rehearsal, and active communication. Imaging is a collection of abilities including the ability to use words to stimulate images, view the self objectively, create internal advisors, create "others," or dream. Imaging can be a means of enhancing self-awareness, and offers a possible, practical means for conceptualizing intrapersonal communication. Eighty footnotes are listed. (SRT)