Simulation induces durable, extensive changes to self-knowledge

The sense of self is a hallmark of the human experience, but it is also unstable. Even simulating another person – thinking about their traits or experiences – can shift how one thinks about their own traits or experiences. Simulating a target shifts self-knowledge such that it becomes more similar to the target; in six studies, we explore how extensively these changes occur. In all studies, participants first rated themselves in a specific...