Thought as action: Inner speech, self-monitoring, and auditory verbal hallucinations.

Jones, S.R.; Fernyhough, C.

Abstract

Passivity experiences in schizophrenia are thought to be due to a failure in a neurocognitive action self-monitoring system (NASS). Drawing on the assumption that inner speech is a form of action, a recent model of auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) has proposed that AVHs can be explained by a failure in the NASS. In this article, we offer an alternative application of the NASS to AVHs, with separate mechanisms creating the emotion of self-as-agent and other-as-agent. We defend the assumption that inner speech can be considered as a form of action, and show how a number of previous criticisms of applying the NASS to AVHs can be refuted. This is achieved in part through taking a Vygotskian developmental perspective on inner speech. It is suggested that more research into the nature and development of inner speech is needed to further our understanding of AVHs.

Citation

Jones, S., & Fernyhough, C. (2007). Thought as action: Inner speech, self-monitoring, and auditory verbal hallucinations. Consciousness and Cognition, 16(2), 391-399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2005.12.003

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2007-06
• Journal: Consciousness and Cognition
• Print ISSN: 1053-8100
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 391-399
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2005.12.003
• Keywords: Agency; Auditory verbal hallucinations; Forward model; Inner speech; Vygotsky