Why the Voice Inside Your Head Can Sound Like a Jerk
Sep 20, 2022
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Psychologist Ethan Kross, from the University of Michigan and author of 'Chatter,' discusses the intriguing science of self-talk. He explores how our inner voice can often turn critical, creating toxic mindsets. Kross shares insights on the emotional challenges faced by athletes experiencing the 'yips,' and emphasizes the superpower of harnessing our self-talk. He introduces effective strategies for transforming negative thoughts into constructive dialogues and discusses the role of belief in enhancing mental well-being.
Negative self-talk can turn toxic leading to 'chatter', hindering problem-solving and fostering dysfunctional thought processes.
Metacognition is crucial for managing inner dialogue effectively, fostering objective problem-solving and emotional regulation.
Deep dives
Understanding the Inner Monologue
Most people spend a significant amount of time conversing with themselves internally. This inner voice helps in various ways, such as simulating and planning future events, motivating oneself, and making sense of personal experiences. However, this self-talk can turn negative and become harmful, leading to a state of continuous looping thoughts known as 'chatter.' Ethan Cross delves into his book 'Chatter' to explain the science behind inner monologues, exploring why negative self-talk occurs and how individuals can make friends with the voice inside their head.
Managing Emotional Responses through Self-Talk
Ethan Cross, a researcher at the University of Michigan, focuses on understanding how individuals manage their emotions effectively. Through detailed studies on brain mechanisms and human behavior, Cross explains the nuts and bolts behind emotional regulation. People often engage in sub-vocal self-talk, where internal dialogue plays a crucial role in shaping emotional responses. By studying verbal working memory systems, Cross sheds light on the importance of using self-talk to manage emotions and enhance daily functioning.
Addressing Negative Self-Talk and 'Chatter'
One significant aspect discussed in Ethan Cross's work is the distinction between negative self-talk and chatter. While negative self-talk refers to critical inner dialogue, chatter involves getting stuck in a loop of negative thought patterns. Cross emphasizes the harmful impact of persistent chatter, which can hinder problem-solving capabilities and lead to dysfunctional thought processes. By providing examples from personal experiences and psychological research, he highlights the detrimental effects of excessive and unproductive self-talk.
The Power of Metacognition and Psychological Distance
Metacognition, the ability to think about one's thinking, plays a pivotal role in managing internal dialogue effectively. Ethan Cross emphasizes the importance of gaining psychological distance from one's thoughts to foster objective problem-solving and emotional regulation. By employing tools like distance self-talk and temporal distancing, individuals can broaden their perspective and navigate through challenging situations with clarity. Through research on placebo effects and belief systems, Cross reveals how adopting certain beliefs or superstitions can positively impact one's psychological well-being by leveraging the power of the mind.
Today’s episode is about the science of self-talk—and how our relationship to our own inner monologue can become toxic. Psychologist Ethan Kross joins the show to explain his work on emotion regulation, his book 'Chatter' on the science of negative self-talk, why the ability to have an inner monologue can be a kind of superpower, and how to harness it.
If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com. You can find us on TikTok at www.tiktok.com/@plainenglish_.Host: Derek Thompson