14 DAY TRIAL // The conclusions of a new scientific study indicate that self-talk is indeed an effective method in improving personal performances, both on and off the battlefield. This has been proposed for some time now, but scientific evidence to this have been lacking.
The team that carried out the new research says that it analyzed 32 scientific studies on this issue in order to come up with a clear conclusion. This psychological technique – of addressing one's self while under pressure – is even more sophisticated in its effects than thought.
It also works in a wide variety of emotional and situational settings, the researchers go on to say. Numerous variations of self-talk can be employed to the same end as well, PsychCentral reports.
One of the things people encouraging themselves must always do is used cues such as words and small phrases to elicit desired response. The basic principle is the same as listening to a certain song, knowing that it will get you in a certain mood.
Positive effects of using self-talk were also identified when test subjects used it for focusing their attention, or for encouraging themselves in general. “We know this strategy works, and it works in sports,” sports psychologist Antonis Hatzigeorgiadis, PhD, explains.
In the meta-analysis, Hatzigeorgiadis and his colleagues analyzed the conclusions of 32 past researches, covering a range of 62 effects. Details of the research will be published in the upcoming issue of the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science.
This strategy can be used “to enhance your potential; and to perform during competition in terms of your ability and not less. The mind guides action,” the team leader explains.
“If we succeed in regulating our thoughts, then this will help our behavior. The goal of being prepared is to do the best you can do,” he goes on to say, adding that there are many different types of self-talk.
Instructional self-talk, for example, takes place when a person encourages themselves by muttering technical instruction to aid during the task at hand. On the other hand, motivational self-talk is more often used during endurance- and strength-related exercises.
Self-talk is a most likely a concentration-improving technique, the researchers say, since people who perform tasks that need gross skills don't use. Most often, the method is used by those who need fine skills to successfully complete a task.