Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
07:01
Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
Published on: March 1, 2019
Effects of self-talk: a systematic review
David Tod1, James Hardy, Emily Oliver
1Sport and Exercise Science, Aberystwyth University, Ceredigion, United Kingdom.
Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology
|October 11, 2011
Summary
Positive self-talk enhances performance, while negative self-talk does not hinder it. Cognitive and behavioral factors mediate the self-talk-performance link, suggesting nuanced applications for athletes and coaches.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sport Science
- Performance Psychology
Background:
- Self-talk is a widely used strategy in sports and other performance domains.
- Previous research often suggests positive self-talk benefits performance and negative self-talk hinders it.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on the self-talk and performance relationship.
- To examine potential mediators and moderators of this relationship.
- To challenge popular viewpoints on the effects of self-talk.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review.
- Analysis of 47 studies examining self-talk and performance.
- Mediation-based analysis of factors influencing the self-talk-performance relationship.
Main Results:
- Positive, instructional, and motivational self-talk were found to benefit performance.
- Contrary to popular belief, negative self-talk did not impede performance.
- Evidence for differential effects of instructional versus motivational self-talk based on task characteristics was inconsistent.
- Cognitive and behavioral factors showed the most consistent relationships with self-talk.
Conclusions:
- The findings challenge simplistic views of self-talk, particularly regarding negative self-talk.
- Cognitive and behavioral factors are key mediators in the self-talk-performance relationship.
- Recommendations include using designs that test meditational hypotheses and avoiding thought-stopping techniques in practice.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Protecting Self-Esteem
Self-esteem, a central component of psychological well-being, is actively maintained through various cognitive and behavioral strategies. Individuals employ specific mechanisms to preserve a positive self-concept and mitigate threats to their self-worth, particularly in contexts involving social evaluation or personal feedback. Four primary techniques are commonly used to sustain self-esteem.Manipulating AppraisalsOne prominent strategy involves manipulating appraisals from others. Individuals...
03:00Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
01:29Introspection
Introspection, long upheld as a reliable route to self-knowledge, involves examining one's thoughts, emotions, and mental processes. It underpins many psychological practices, from mindfulness meditation to psychotherapy and self-help strategies. However, empirical evidence challenges the accuracy of introspection as a means of understanding oneself.Limitations of Introspective InsightSeminal work by Nisbett and Wilson demonstrated that individuals are frequently unaware of the true causes...
01:24Sources of Self-Esteem II: Performance Feedback
Self-esteem is intricately tied to our perception of competence and our ability to exert control over our lives. One of the primary sources of this perception is performance feedback — the ongoing evaluation of our actions in terms of success and failure. According to Franks and Marolla (1976), people derive self-worth from experiencing themselves as causal agents, capable of achieving goals and overcoming obstacles. This process nurtures a critical component of self-esteem: self-efficacy,...
01:21Self-Awareness and Its Effects
Self-awareness is a psychological state in which the individual becomes the focal point of their attention. This inward focus transforms the self into an object of contemplation and assessment, influencing how individuals perceive their actions and their alignment with personal and societal standards.Triggers and Contexts for Self-AwarenessSelf-awareness can be activated by external stimuli that make individuals visually or audibly aware of themselves, such as mirrors, cameras, or recordings.
01:17Strategies of Self-Presentation II: Self-Verification
Self-verification is a fundamental psychological drive wherein individuals seek affirmation of their self-concept from others, striving for consistency between their internal self-view and external perceptions. This drive operates even when the self-concept is negative, influencing interpersonal behavior and feedback preferences in complex and often counterintuitive ways. Unlike the self-enhancement motive, which seeks positive evaluations, self-verification prioritizes coherence and...