INTERNAL COMMAND METHOD: A Preliminary Experimental Framework for Directing Internal States and Automatic Responses

Abstract

Internal Command Method is a preliminary experimental framework proposing that internal states and automatic responses may be influenced by directly issuing intentional, non-verbal commands toward a desired state, rather than primarily manipulating the thoughts surrounding the response. The framework uses ordinary goal-directed action as an illustrative example and proposes potential application to the retraining of automatic responses under pressure. The proposed mechanism has not yet been empirically validated. This document presents the framework as a basis for examination, discussion, refinement, and future experimentation.