The purpose of this study was to investigate whether subliminal stimulation with "mommy and I are one" (MIO) and "daddy and I are one" (DIO), respectively, has an effect on the self-concept, possibly via activation of unconscious associative networks concerning the mother-self and father-self relationships. Another purpose was to investigate whether a possible effect was moderated by the degree of identification with mother and father, respectively. Therefore an interaction effect between Stimulus (MIO or DIO) and degree of identification (Low/High) was investigated for effects on self-concept. 84 participants first completed two questionnaires at home, identification with mother and identification with father, as well as a self-concept measure (SASB-Intrex Introject). Later in the laboratory participants rated their self-concept again on a corresponding questionnaire, this after subliminal stimulation with DIO or MIO. The study also contained a control group given the neutral stimulus "people are walking" (PAW).
Results show that stimulation with DIO had a significant effect on Negative self-concept compared to PAW; scores were lower after DIO than after PAW. Further, a scale measuring Positive Autonomous self-concept decreased trend significantly after exposure to DIO compared to PAW. Stimulation with MIO gave no significant results. The interaction between DIO or MIO and degree of identification yielded no significant results either.