The evolution of self-image: a review on theory and methodology

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the literature about the evolution of self-image. First we will discuss the basic principles of evolutionary psychology. Second, we will discuss the methodology used in research to measure self-concept. Next we will discuss evolutionary theory about the cognitive capabilities fundamental to self-image, followed by an discussion about the evolutionary theory of self-image itself. Then we will discuss self-concept in animals. Lastly, we will posit an association between self-image and the free-energy principle. We will conclude that the possibility to predict future social events, and to act on these predictions, form the main evolutionary advantage of self-image.