selfaffecting

Selfaffecting is a term used in philosophy and psychology to describe actions or processes that produce a change in the agent itself. This concept is distinct from external actions that affect other entities or internal changes that occur spontaneously without direct volitional input. Selfaffecting can encompass a wide range of phenomena, from the conscious decision to learn a new skill, which alters one's own capabilities, to less intentional processes like developing habits through repeated behavior.

In philosophical discourse, selfaffecting is often discussed in relation to concepts like agency, intentionality, and personal identity. A key question is the extent to which an agent can truly be the cause of its own modifications, and what it means for an entity to be its own effect. This can involve exploring the boundaries between self-creation and external determination.

In psychology, selfaffecting behaviors are central to theories of learning, motivation, and personality development. For instance, engaging in self-reflection is a selfaffecting process that can lead to changes in one's self-perception and behavior. Similarly, goal-setting and the subsequent efforts to achieve those goals are selfaffecting, as the individual actively shapes their own future states and capacities. The study of selfaffecting processes helps to understand how individuals initiate and sustain personal growth and adaptation throughout their lives.