Dialogue and tension within the self: The case of a humanitarian psychologist

This study addresses the importance of considering the self as a tensional, rather than homeostatic entity. We adopt a dialogical self perspective, which conceives it as a construct marked by the interaction between I-positions, and the notion of tensegrity, according to which tension is structuring the functioning of the self. This study’s objective is to analyze the interactions between the I-positions that constitute the self of a psychologist working in a humanitarian institution, considering life changes this person faced when choosing to work as a humanitarian. We present an instrumental case study. Data collection methods included logs, mission notes, media interviews, sociodemographic questionnaires, and a narrative interview. Our findings revealed a central role of I-positions such as “I as humanitarian,” “I as psychologist,” and “I as caregiver” in shaping the participant’s self, alongside the influence of positions related to family and self-care, like “I as daughter” and “I as a cared-for person.” The participant encountered conflicting decisions, highlighting the coexistence of tensions between different I-positions. This suggests that humanitarian work involves dynamic processes of adaptation, challenging the harmony of the self. Through this study, we aim to contribute insights that expand our understanding of conflicting aspects of identity.