Selfpreferences

Selfpreferences is a concept describing the set of preferences that are rooted in an individual's self-concept, values, and long-term goals. They guide choices not only by external rewards but by what the person wants to be and to become. Selfpreferences differ from transient, situation-driven preferences in that they remain relatively stable across contexts and are aligned with identity and moral commitments. In decision making, selfpreferences are integrated with expected utility through a self-consistency or self-regulation mechanism: individuals weigh outcomes by how well they fit their self-image, past actions, and aspirations, sometimes even at the cost of immediate gratification.

The concept draws on theories of self-regulation, identity, and value-based decision making. Models often include a self-affirmation or identity term that penalizes choices that threaten self-concept. Cognitive processes such as autobiographical reasoning and future self-projection help maintain self-consistency over time.

Measured via self-report value inventories and behavioral indicators of persistence toward long-term goals, selfpreferences are studied in psychology, behavioral economics, and AI research. In practice, recognizing selfpreferences can improve personalized interventions, such as health programs or educational tools, by aligning prompts with a user’s self-concept and long-term goals. In AI, encoding selfpreferences relates to value alignment problems, where an agent should act in ways that preserve its core identity and long-term objectives.

Limitations include cultural variation in value prioritization and challenges in reliably measuring stable self-directed preferences. See also self-concept, personal values, goal setting, value-based decision making.