Graphing the Self: An application of graph theory to memetic self-mapping in psychotherapy

Abstract

The benefits of using mathematical concepts are frequently overlooked in qualitative inquiry. In this paper Graph Theory (GT) is applied to a series of two dimensional representations of the self used to illustrate the therapeutic progress of a suicidal youth and to a young mother coping with depression. These self-maps are shown to be equivalent to GT networks with the memes of the self-maps corresponding to GT vertices, the pair-wise relationships between memes corresponding to GT edges, and the time evolution of the self-mapping diagrams corresponding to GT sequence analysis. Consideration is given to the notion that the self so mapped functions as a small world network with emotive psychological triggers serving as “long range” connections. The advantages of using an interactive Graphical User Interface and GT metrics for client centered therapy and future research applications in social science are discussed.

Investigating the Effects of Misinformation as Infopathogens: Developing a Model and Thought Experiment

“…The same cognitive mapping that reveals informationdependent pathways leading to the riot can be used to identify factors that cause individuals to successfully detect the signature of manipulative intent in content or content-sharing patterns. Methods developed to combat suicide likely provide a starting point for the application of mapping to arguably irrational behavior (Robertson and McFadden 2018). Atrisk subpopulations have likely not been exposed to suspect content, being immunologically naïve as per the biological analogy, and may benefit from exposure attended by informative context.…”

“…This technique has been described as mapping cognition processes analogous to a vehicle and a (road) network (Hills and Kenett 2022). For example, mind mapping has been used to show pathways to suicide and progress from depression towards remediation (Robertson and McFadden 2018). Mind mapping thus supplies a method to aggregate memes at the level of cognitive processes.…”

Memetic mapping and genealogy of Google’s organizational culture

“…Gill (2013) in his dissertation “An extra-memetic empirical methodology to accompany theoretical memetics,” examined competing memes (production orientation and market orientation) in a publishing small and medium enterprise. Robertson and McFadden (2018), identified the suicidal thought memes in a patient via questionnaire and interview; then they graphed the memes and suggested a treatment to weaken negative memes and strengthen positive ones.…”