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Preliminary data on a relation between self-talk and complexity of the self-concept
1Université de Moncton.
Psychological Reports
|February 1, 1995
Summary
People may build a more coherent self-concept through self-talk. This study found a positive correlation between talking to oneself and the richness of one's self-image, suggesting self-talk enhances self-concept development.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Self-concept is built through inferences from behavior, thoughts, and feelings.
- The precise mechanisms of self-concept formation are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of self-talk in constructing a sophisticated and coherent self-image.
- To explore the relationship between the disposition to self-talk and the richness of the self-concept.
Main Methods:
- A correlational study was employed.
- The study utilized the W-A-Y (Who Are You?) test to measure self-concept richness.
- A pilot questionnaire assessed the natural disposition to engage in self-talk.
Main Results:
- A moderate positive correlation (r = .30) was found between the richness of the self-concept and the tendency to self-talk.
- Findings suggest that increased self-talk is associated with a more developed self-image.
Conclusions:
- Self-talk may be a key mechanism in developing a coherent and sophisticated self-concept.
- The study highlights potential clinical implications for understanding and utilizing self-talk in therapeutic contexts.
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