title: Right hemispheric self-awareness: a critical assessment.
abstract: In this commentary I evaluate the claim made by that since self-recognition results from right hemispheric activity, self-awareness too is likely to be produced by the activity of the same hemisphere. This reasoning is based on the assumption that self-recognition represents a valid operationalization of self-awareness; I present two views that challenge this rationale. Keenan et al. also support their claim with published evidence relating brain activity and self-awareness; I closely examine their analysis of one specific review of literature and conclude that it appears to be biased. Finally, recent research suggests that inner speech (which is associated with left hemispheric activity) is linked to self-awareness-an observation that further casts doubt on the existence of a right hemispheric self-awareness.
authors.affiliation: Behavioral Sciences, Mount Royal College, 4825 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB, Canada T3E 6K6. amorin@mtroyal.a.ca
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Morin
mesh_terms: D001364:Awareness / Q000502:physiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012649:Self Concept