Self-dehumanization

Dehumanization has been a topic of great interest within social psychology over the past decade. Much of this research has examined how and when dehumanization may become evident in how we view others. Our perceptions of others, however, are not the sole province of dehumanization. In this paper we review a series of studies showing that dehumanization can also be found in our perceptions of self. This may be the result of harmful treatment by others, or it may be triggered by our own harmful behavior. Self-dehumanization also has consequences for feelings and behavior. Experiencing self-dehumanization is associated with aversive self-awareness, cognitive deconstructive states and feelings of shame, guilt, sadness and anger. Self-dehumanization may also motivate behavior aimed at reparation, perhaps in an attempt to regain humanity lost. Self-dehumanization is an important concept for understanding the impact of, and responses to, harmful interpersonal behavior.