Self-reflexivity

Self-reflexivity refers to the act of turning the attention back upon oneself; the capacity to critically examine one's own thoughts, feelings, motivations, and actions, as well as the processes by which one perceives and understands the world. It involves a conscious awareness of oneself as a subject of experience, constantly interacting with and shaping one's own identity and understanding. self-reflexivity extends to recognizing how one's biases, assumptions, and perspectives influence their interpretations and judgments. It necessitates a willingness to question and challenge one's own beliefs and behaviors. Furthermore, it can also involve the self-consciousness of one's creative acts and their influence on the external world. This practice encourages greater self-awareness and a more nuanced understanding of one's place in the world.

Self-reflexivity meaning with examples

• The novelist, deeply immersed in self-reflexivity, used his fictional characters to explore his own personal struggles and philosophical questions about the nature of existence, using their journeys to mirror his own internal conflicts, creating a layered narrative. He examined his writing process itself, showing how his perspectives shaped the story, creating a meta-narrative.
• During therapy, the patient engaged in self-reflexivity to understand the roots of her anxiety, meticulously examining her childhood experiences and relational patterns for clues. She began to identify recurring thought patterns and emotional responses, and how these affected her behavior. This led to a deeper understanding of her triggers and vulnerabilities and promoted emotional healing.
• In a performance art piece, the artist incorporated elements of self-reflexivity, constantly reminding the audience that they were watching a construction of reality, and that the art was a conversation. By incorporating the audience as a critical component, she blurred the lines between the performance and everyday life, prompting viewers to question their own perceptions.
• The researcher implemented self-reflexivity in her study by openly acknowledging her own biases and their potential impact on the findings. She kept a reflective journal, detailing her own assumptions and interpretations of the data. This transparency increased the credibility of her research, and allowed others to view her thought process.
• The student, employing self-reflexivity in her critical essay, analyzed the author's stylistic choices, commenting on how those selections influenced her reading experience and the impact on the meaning being constructed. She discussed her own responses and interpretations, creating a dynamic interplay between text and reader in her exploration of the text's hidden nuances.