ReThinking
The voices in your head with Ethan Kross
Mar 11, 2025
Ethan Kross, a psychologist and neuroscientist from the University of Michigan and author of "Chatter," dives deep into the complexities of our inner voices. He discusses how to transform negative self-talk into positive thought patterns and the role of self-distancing in problem-solving. The power of mental time travel for emotional resilience during crises, like COVID-19, is emphasized, alongside the surprising drawbacks of venting. Kross shares strategies for managing anxiety and the unique ways people experience their thoughts, providing insights for better emotion regulation.
37:45
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Quick takeaways
- The inner voice is a versatile cognitive tool that aids problem-solving and memory, manifesting differently across individuals' thinking styles.
- Emotion regulation involves flexible responses to feelings, emphasizing reflection over immediate expression and challenging the idea that all emotions need immediate confrontation.
Deep dives
Understanding the Inner Voice
The inner voice serves as a multifunctional tool that plays a crucial role in our cognitive processes. It enables individuals to have internal dialogues that can enhance problem-solving and memory. Some people engage in back-and-forth conversations with themselves, while others use their inner voice for tasks like rehearsal or self-reminders. The variability in how people experience their inner voice suggests that there are different approaches to thinking, with some relying more on visual representations rather than auditory thoughts.
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