Many people talk aloud to themselves. 1[■] Unlike the silent mental conversations termed inner speech, this behavior involves voiced expression. Researchers have observed that the phenomenon frequently arises in particular circumstances; those living alone, for instance, demonstrate heightened engagement with such self-dialogue. This inspires the researchers to investigate its psychological roots.
2[■] Talking out loud is a common way for people who spend lots of time alone to keep themselves company. For example, children who grow up alone practice self-talk more frequently than those who have brothers and sisters-as well as adults who had an imaginary companion when they were kids.
Another significant factor driving people to talk out loud to themselves is the need to deal with stressful situations, particularly when they feel uncertain about how to act or what emotions to process. Research has shown that individuals tend to self-talk more when they are feeling anxious or dealing with repetitive thoughts. 3[■] Self-talk serves as a tool that helps them work through these challenges.
Age also plays a role in this behavior. Young children talk out loud to themselves as they are learning social roles. 4[■] The elderly are also more likely to self-talk, which may be due to their need for memory assistance or the result of lowered self-control.
Talking out loud to yourself is perfectly normal and even beneficial. It can improve how well you perform at a task. In one study, basketball players performed better when they talked through their moves out loud in an encouraging or instructional way. There can also, surprisingly, be a social aspect. In that case, self-talk blurs (模糊) the line between internal and interpersonal communication.
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