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Is it bad to talk alone? Science has the answer

Is it bad to talk alone? Science has the answer

March 28, 2024

How many times have we surprised ourselves by talking to ourselves while trying to solve a problem? Or have we made some joke with a friend or co-worker that we have also caught talking to alone?

Although this custom is the object of jokes and ridicule, or may be a concern to some people, the truth is that, provided it is not accompanied by any pathology such as delusions or hallucinations, talking can only be beneficial for our cognitive development.

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Why is not it bad to talk alone?

Traditionally we have seen the fact that children often speak alone as something natural. However, when this custom extends to 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 a very useful and beneficial habit for cognitive development.

Private speech in childhood is considered an external mechanism of thought, which favors reasoning and cognitive processes. With the passage of time, this mechanism is gradually internalized in the form of verbal thinking.

There is a general consensus that supports the idea that language is essential for a correct 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 words and mental sentences. So, is it so strange that we speak 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, like the psychologist and investigator of American origin Laura E. Berk, the habit or mechanism of private speech never gets to disappear. On the contrary, this tool usually reappears on those occasions when we must face problems or demands of the environment that are very challenging, constituting a highly effective habit when it comes to develop new skills and capabilities .

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What real benefits do you 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. Power memory

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

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2. Help to reflect better

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

3. It favors the establishment and remembrance of objectives

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

4. It is an action guide

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

5. Reinforce ourselves positively

Congratulating oneself on the job well done or the achievements made is highly beneficial for self-esteem. Recognizing your own successes and reinforcing them aloud can be highly recommended in times of great demand or challenges, both personal and professional and academic.

6. As a motivation strategy

Another of the benefits that talking can only give us is that of motivating us to do things that, although we do not feel like doing, are obligatory. Self-motivate and encourage It can make it a little less difficult for us to carry out all those activities that initially seem unattractive to us.

7. Encourages the development of intelligence

Some recent studies point to the possibility that private speech or speech can only favor the creation of new neuronal connections.This means that speaking 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 can only be very useful for many other things. Among them are:

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

So, when do you have to worry?

We can not deny that There are certain cases in which talking can only 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 speaks alone, but also this symptom is accompanied by others such as delusions, hallucinations or behavior alterations . In these disorders, the person may speak alone in response to a series of auditory hallucinations; so the person would not be talking to himself but with his own hallucination. Unlike private speech, these discourses are characterized by being incomprehensible and lacking in logic.

In the same way, another case in which private speech is harmful is in those situations in which the person uses it to disparage or transmit negative messages . This manifestation aloud of ideas and negative thoughts can lead to states of anxiety and depression.

Therefore, talking to oneself does not have to be considered as 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.


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