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

On how many occasions 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.

• Related article: "The 8 superior psychological processes"

Why isn't it bad to talk to yourself?

Traditionally we have perceived the fact that on many occasions children speak to themselves as something natural. However, when this custom extends into adulthood we begin to perceive it as something strange or pathological.

But nothing is further from reality, the explanation that during childhood there is such a tendency to speak alone 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 thought mechanism, which is why it 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 proper cognitive development, since it 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 say 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-born psychologist and researcher Laura E. Berk, the habit or mechanism of private speech never goes away. On the contrary, this tool usually reappears on those occasions when we have to deal with problems or demands of the environment that are very challenging for us, constituting a highly effective habit when it comes to develop new skills and abilities.

• You may be interested in: "The 12 types of language (and their characteristics)"

What real benefits does it have?

As we said, keeping private speech can be really beneficial for our cognitive development. And not only during childhood, Throughout our lives this custom 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. Boost memory

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

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

2. Helps to think better

Expose out loud our ideas or concerns, as well as the reasoning that derives from it, we helps clarify these ideas, as well as facilitates the creation of strategies for solving problems. issues. If we listen to what we think or say it will be much easier for us to put these ideas in order.

3. Promotes goal setting and recall

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

4. It is a guide to action

Talking out loud to ourselves while doing activities that require a pattern of behaviors will help us internalize these steps and learn faster.

5. positively reinforce ourselves

Congratulating yourself for a job well done or achievements achieved is highly beneficial for self-esteem. Acknowledging your own successes and reinforcing them out loud can be highly recommended in times of great demand or challenges, both personal, work and academic.

6. As a motivation strategy

Another of the benefits that talking alone can give us is that it motivates us to do things that, even if we don't feel like doing, are mandatory. Self-motivate and encourage ourselves It can make it cost us a little less 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 talking alone can favor the creation of new neural connections. This means that talking alone 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, talking alone can be of great benefit to us for many other things. Among them are:

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

So when do you have to worry?

we can't deny that there are certain cases in which talking alone 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 also this symptom is accompanied by others such as delusions, hallucinations or behavioral disorders. In these disorders, the person may speak to themselves in response to a series of auditory hallucinations; so the person would not be talking to herself but to her own hallucination. Unlike private speech, these speeches are characterized by being incomprehensible and devoid of all 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 mental disorder as long as it is not accompanied by other symptoms and does not interfere with the normal functioning of the person.