Self talk is a cognitive process with which we evaluate, converse and monitor our actions. Our self evaluative statements is a cognitive skill that likely affects how we bounce back from stressful situations. During stressful situations, 60-70% of participants engage in self talk, suggesting it is a common and an important aspect that can be used as a tool to cope with stress and adversities. Three studies were conducted to understand how self-talk using mechanisms behind avoidance and approach, affects resilience.
Adults who were avoidance sensitive (motivated by fear of punishment or threat), used less reassuring and more persecuting self-talk in challenging situations which led to reduction in their resilience. Critical self talk, and avoidance contributed to feelings of anxiety and less positivity when facing with tough situations. Students’ appraisal of stressors become more threatening as their attention focuses on negative aspects of the situation and themselves.
Findings suggest that avoidance motivation is linked with lower resilience while approach motivation is linked with higher resilience. Positive self talk, reassuring self talk led positive emotional experience, and greater resilience after stressors. Approach motivation where participants seek rewards rather than avoiding stressful situation, tend to be more resilient. It is important to study these relationships in students and understanding the mechanisms can help develop strategies and coping methods in stressful situations.
The studies highlight the significant role of self-talk in shaping resilience, particularly in how individuals approach or avoid stressors. Findings suggest that avoidance motivation, characterized by fear-driven and self-critical self-talk, is linked to lower resilience, increased anxiety, and a more negative appraisal of stressors. In contrast, approach motivation, which involves seeking rewards and engaging in positive, reassuring self-talk, fosters greater emotional well-being and resilience.
These insights emphasize the importance of cultivating constructive self-talk patterns, especially in students, to enhance their ability to cope with stress and adversity. By promoting positive self-talk and approach-oriented coping strategies, interventions can be designed to strengthen resilience and improve mental well-being in challenging situations.
