The Complete Guide To Positive Self-Talk
About Lesson

Research has shown that the way we talk to ourselves can have a significant impact on our mental health, behavior, and performance. 

Here are some authority references that support the importance of self-talk:

  • According to a study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, positive self-talk can improve self-esteem and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety (Cohen et al., 2015).
  • A meta-analysis of 32 studies found that positive self-talk was associated with better performance and increased persistence in achieving goals (Hatzigeorgiadis et al., 2011).
  • Research has shown that negative self-talk can contribute to feelings of low self-worth and self-doubt, which can lead to anxiety and depression (Blatt & Zuroff, 1992).
  • A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who engage in self-compassionate self-talk are more likely to have better mental health outcomes and more positive relationships with others (Neff et al., 2017).
  • A meta-analysis of 17 studies found that self-talk interventions can improve performance in a variety of tasks, including sports, academic, and cognitive tasks (Van Raalte et al., 2016).
  • Research has shown that the language we use when talking to ourselves can influence our emotions and behavior. For example, using words like “can” and “will” can increase motivation and persistence, while using words like “can’t” and “never” can decrease motivation and increase self-doubt (Martin et al., 2016).

The importance of how we talk to ourselves cannot be overstated. Positive self-talk can improve mental health, boost performance, and increase resilience, while negative self-talk can undermine our self-worth and also promotes depression, loss of motivation and anxious feelings.  

By understanding the impact of self-talk and learning to use positive and compassionate language, we can improve our mental health, achieve our goals, and lead more fulfilling lives.