Is It Bad To Talk To Yourself? Science Has The Answer
How many times have we caught ourselves talking to ourselves while trying to solve a problem? Or have we made a joke with a friend or co-worker who we have also caught talking to himself?
Although this custom is the subject of jokes and ridicule, or may worry some people, the truth is that, as long as it is not accompanied by any pathology such as delusions or hallucinations, talking alone can be beneficial for our cognitive development.
Traditionally we have perceived the fact that children often talk to themselves as something natural. However, when this custom extends into adulthood we begin to perceive it as something strange or pathological.
But nothing could be further from the truth, the explanation for why this tendency to talk to themselves during childhood is known as “private speech.” Private speech consists of the oral expression of our thoughts and it is an extremely useful and beneficial habit for cognitive development.
Private speech in childhood is considered an external thinking mechanism, which favors reasoning and cognitive processes. Over time, this mechanism is gradually internalized in the form of verbal thought.
There is a general consensus that supports the idea that language is essential for correct cognitive development, since gives us a means to express our ideas and issues. If we stop to think, every time we have to solve a problem we do it through mental words and sentences. So, is it so strange that we express these words out loud when we are alone?
The truth is that there are a large number of studies that give great value to this habit. According to some researchers, such as the American psychologist and researcher Laura E. Berk, the habit or mechanism of private speech never disappears. On the contrary, this tool usually reappears on those occasions when we must face problems or demands from the environment that we find very challenging, constituting a highly effective habit when it comes to develop new skills and abilities.
What real benefits does it have?
As we said, preserving private speech can be really beneficial for our cognitive development. And not only during childhood, Throughout our lives this habit will provide us with tools and facilities for solving problems.
Next, we will see all those skills and mechanisms that can be enhanced by private speech:
1. Boost memory
There are many studies about memory processes that point towards the idea that speaking out loud while studying or self-directed speech expressed while performing a task, They improve memorization and promote the establishment of memories.
2. Helps you reflect better
Exposing our ideas or concerns out loud, as well as the reasoning that derives from them, helps us clarify these ideas, as well as facilitates the creation of strategies for solving problems. If we listen to what we think or say It will be much easier for us to put these ideas in order.
This point is closely related to the previous two. Speaking out loud, exposing our objectives, helps us clarify our goals and strengthens their memory.
4. It is an action guide
Talking out loud to ourselves while we carry out activities that require a pattern of behaviors will help us internalize these steps now. learn faster.
5. Reinforce ourselves positively
Congratulating yourself for a job well done or achievements achieved is highly beneficial for self-esteem. Recognizing one’s own successes and reinforcing them out loud can be highly recommended in times of great demand or challenges, both personal, work-related and academic.
6. As a motivation strategy
Another benefit that talking to ourselves can give us is that it motivates us to do things that, even if we don’t feel like doing them, are obligatory. Self-motivate and encourage ourselves It can make it a little less difficult for us to carry out all those activities that initially seem unattractive to us.
7. Promotes the development of intelligence
Some recent studies point to the possibility that private speech or speaking alone can promote the creation of new neural connections. This means that talking to ourselves can enhance our brain’s ability to develop and, therefore, enhance its functions and faculties.
8. Other benefits
In addition to all the benefits mentioned above, speaking alone can be of great benefit to us for many other things. Among them are:
So when should you worry?
We cannot deny that There are certain cases in which talking to yourself can be a symptom of a mental disorder. However, on these occasions the person usually experiences many other symptoms that reveal the existence of a psychiatric disorder.
In cases of psychosis, the person not only talks to himself, but This symptom is accompanied by others such as delusions, hallucinations or behavioral alterations. In these disorders, the person may talk to themselves in response to a series of auditory hallucinations; so the person would not be talking to himself but to his own hallucination. Unlike private speech, these speeches are characterized by being incomprehensible and lacking any logic.
In the same way, another case in which private speech is harmful is in those situations in which the person uses it to belittle themselves or transmit negative messages. This loud manifestation of negative ideas and thoughts can lead to states of anxiety and depression.
Therefore, talking to oneself does not have to be considered something abnormal, a pathology or a symptom of a mental disorder as long as it is not accompanied by other symptoms and does not interfere with the person’s normal functioning.
