Is it bad to talk to yourself? Science has the answer

This practice is common in both boys and girls, but... But what if it happens beyond childhood?

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 whom we have also caught talking to ourselves?

Although this habit is the subject of jokes and mockery, 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 to oneself can be beneficial, talking to oneself can be beneficial to our cognitive development. for our cognitive development.

Why is it not bad to talk to yourself?

Traditionally we have perceived the fact that in many occasions children talk to themselves as something natural. However, when this habit is extended into adulthood we begin to perceive it as something strange or pathological..

But nothing could be further from the truth, the explanation for this tendency to talk to ourselves during childhood is known as "private speech". Private speech is the oral expression of our thoughts and is an extremely useful and useful habit. and is an extremely useful and beneficial habit for cognitive development.

Private speech in childhood is considered to be an external mechanism of thought, thus promoting 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 a correct cognitive development, as it gives us a means of expressing our ideas and issues. and issues. If we stop to think about it, every time we have to solve a problem we do it through words and mental sentences. So, is it so strange that we say these words out loud when we are alone?

The truth is that there are a large number of studies that attach 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 tends to reappear on those occasions when we have to face problems or environmental demands that we find very challenging, constituting an extremely effective habit when it comes to developing new competencies and capabilities..

What are the real benefits?

As we said, keeping 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 problem solving..

Next, we will see all those abilities and mechanisms that can be enhanced by private speech:

1. It boosts memory

There are many studies about memory processes that point to the idea that speaking aloud while studying or self-directed speech expressed while performing a task, improve memorization and favor the consolidation of memories..

• Related article, "Is it better to study by reading aloud or silently?"

2. It helps to reflect better

To expose aloud our ideas or concerns, as well as the reasoning that derives from it helps us to clarify these ideas, as well as facilitates the creation of strategies for problem solving. If we listen to what we are thinking or saying it will be much easier for us to put these ideas in order..

3. It favors the setting and remembering of objectives

This point is closely related to the two previous ones. Speaking out loud, our objectives, helps us to clarify our goals and strengthens our memory of them. and strengthens our memory of them.

4. It is a guide for action

Talking aloud to ourselves while we perform activities that require a pattern of behaviors will help us internalize these steps and help us to learn more quickly..

5. Positive reinforcement

Congratulating oneself for a job well done or achievements is highly beneficial for self-esteem. Acknowledging one's successes and reinforcing them out loud can be highly recommended in times of high demands or challenges, both personal, work and academic.

6. As a motivational strategy

Another benefit of talking to ourselves is that it can motivate us to do things that, even if we don't feel like doing them, are mandatory. Self-motivation and encouragement can make it a little less difficult for us to carry out all those activities that at first seem unattractive.

7. It favors the development of intelligence

Some recent studies point to the possibility that private speech or talking alone may favor the creation of new neural connections. This means that talking alone can enhance the ability of our brain to develop and therefore enhance the functions and faculties of this.

8. Other benefits

In addition to all the benefits mentioned above, talking to ourselves can be of great benefit for many other things. Among them are:

• Decrease anxiety and stress levels..
• Promotes creativity.
• It highlights irrational thoughts and helps us to modify them.
• Promotes the organization of thought.
• Puts conflicts or problems in perspective.
• Promotes decision making.

So when is it time to worry?

We cannot deny that there are certain cases in which talking alone can be a symptom of a mental disorder.. However, on these occasions the person often 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 This symptom is accompanied by other symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations or behavioral disturbances.. In these disorders, it is possible that the person speaks alone in response to a series of auditory hallucinations; therefore, the person would not be talking to himself but to his own hallucination. Unlike private speech, these discourses are characterized by being incomprehensible and devoid of any logic.

Similarly, another case in which private speech is harmful is in those situations in which the person uses it to belittle himself or herself or to convey negative messages. situations in which the person uses it to belittle himself or herself or to convey negative messages to others.. This loud expression of negative thoughts and ideas can lead to anxiety and depression.

Therefore, talking to oneself need not be considered abnormal, a pathology or a symptom of mental disorder as long as it is not accompanied by other symptoms and does not interfere with the person's normal functioning.