Shaw, Victor N.2009-05-192009-05-192001-04-01Social Thought and Research, Volume 24, Number 1&2 (2001), pp. 271-312 http://dx.doi.org/10.17161/STR.1808.5184https://hdl.handle.net/1808/5184Self-dialogue involves a constant process of demarcation and interaction between "I" and "me," between the speakable and the unspeakable, and between what is said and what is meant. This paper studies self-dialogue in its main aspects. First, it reviews relevant contributions in the existing literature. Second, it attempts a working definition of self-dialogue. Third, it examines self-dialogue with regard to its main dimensions and processes. Fourth, it identifies rules that guide self-dialogue. Fifth, it looks into practical applications and implications of self-dialogue in life and personal management. The major findings and arguments are: Self-dialogue is a fundamental process of expression; it mediates between self-image and social experience; it is regulated by ontological limits, cultural norms, and social rules; and it serves as an adaptive mechanism for self-presentation, identity acquisition, stress management, health maintenance, and personal integration.enCopyright (c) Social Thought and Research. For rights questions please contact Editor, Department of Sociology, Social Thought and Research, Fraser Hall, 1415 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, KS 66045.SELF-DIALOGUE AS A FUNDAMENTAL PROCESS OF EXPRESSIONArticle10.17161/STR.1808.5184openAccess