Who am I? It’s a question as old as time, but methods for introspection are evolving past pure psychology.
Psychologists and philosophers have been studying the brain for centuries. The brain’s inner workings–in terms of perception, emotion and memory–have stumped humanity’s greatest minds, but teenage girls seem to have cracked the code.
Are Star Signs Legitimate?
Astrology, journaling, personality tests and love languages are a few ways that people, typically young women, are evolving contemplation practices.
These trending interests share a desire for self-knowledge, something that is essential for psychological growth. Research shows that introspection satisfies the desire to understand experiences, prevents discord between self-perception and others’ perception, grounds irrational unconscious desires, facilitates proactive responses and is often the first step toward positive change.
Although, this is probably not the mindset of the 70 million Americans who read their horoscope daily. Though there is no science to back up this particular method of introspection, this is one of the methods of reflection that have taken society by storm.
Countless people utilize their star sign, love language or personality type to reveal hidden beliefs/desires or to unveil moments of self-deception. Journaling helps to further reflect on complex emotions or conflict triggers. But these categorical groupings cause interested persons to shape themselves around an ideal persona, one that does not exist.
Gender Roles in Introspection
This ideal is mostly aspired to by women. Men tend to be more wary of introspection, both through psychology and trending mediaries. They are taught less to articulate and self-report emotions; instead externalize their feelings through activities like video games and working out.
Alternatively, women are expected to navigate the human experience of emotion by themselves. This brings vulnerability to the forefront of our minds, something that may be expected to promote loneliness. Yet, through the categorization of persona, this loneliness becomes merely a characteristic of one’s sign or Myers Briggs type.
Reflection: In or Out?
Which method — external or internal coping — is more effective for navigating hard times?
Like most dealings with the complex mind, the answer is not black and white. Healthy introspection requires both internal reflection and followed-through social action.
Though it is easy to fall into the allure of introspection, it can be dangerous to obsess over the self and its unpredictable and often irrelevant pursuits. Letting oneself become defined by their horoscope or star sign is not going to provide the desired sense of control over life’s uncertainties.
The nature of human introspection is complex. Sometimes, the fact of who you are and the person you want to be can seem contradictory. But, it should be comforting to know that even our best scientists don’t know exactly what is true in terms of each individual. Exploring your unique feelings and personality through introspection is beneficial, as long as it does not become an obsession.
Share your thoughts on introspection with VALLEY on Instagram @VALLEYmag!
1 Comment