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

Although this habit is the object of jokes and mockeries, or may come to worry some people, the truth is that, as long as it is not accompanied by some pathology such as delusions or hallucinations, talking alone can become beneficial for our cognitive development.

Why isn’t it bad to talk to yourself?

Traditionally we have perceived the fact that on many occasions children speak alone as something natural. However, when this custom extends into adulthood we begin to perceive it as something strange or pathological .

But nothing could be further from the truth. The explanation for this tendency to talk to oneself during childhood is known as “private talk”. Private speech consists of the oral expression of our thoughts and is an extremely useful and beneficial habit for cognitive development.

Private speech in childhood is considered to be an external mechanism of thought, so it favours reasoning and cognitive processes. Over 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 proper cognitive development, since 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 by means of words and mental sentences. So, is it so strange that we express these words out loud when we are alone?

The truth is that there are a great number of studies that give great value to this habit. According to some researchers, such as American-born psychologist and researcher Laura E. Berk, the habit or mechanism of private speech never disappears. On the contrary, this tool tends to reappear on those occasions when we have to face problems or demands from our environment that are very challenging, constituting a highly effective habit when it comes to developing new skills and abilities .

What are the real benefits?

As we said, keeping our speech private can be really beneficial for our cognitive development. And not only during childhood, throughout our lives this habit will provide us with tools and facilities for problem solving .

Next, we will see all those skills and mechanisms that can be enhanced by private speech:

1. Power the memory

There are many studies about memory processes that point to the idea that speaking out loud while studying or self-directed speech expressed while performing a task, improves memorization and favors the settlement of memories .

2. It helps to reflect better

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

3. Encourages the establishment and remembrance of objectives

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

4. It is a guide to action

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

5. Positive reinforcement

Congratulating oneself for a job well done or achievements is highly beneficial for self-esteem. Acknowledging one’s successes and reinforcing them out loud can be highly recommended in times of high demand or challenge, both personally and at work and in academia.

6. As a motivation strategy

Another benefit that speaking alone can give us is that of motivating us to do things that, although we may not feel like doing, are mandatory. Self-motivation and encouragement can make it a little less difficult for us to carry out all those activities that at first seem unattractive.

7. Favors the development of intelligence

Some recent studies point to the possibility that private speech or talking alone may encourage the creation of new neural connections. This means that talking 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 listed above, talking can only be of great benefit to us in many other ways. Among them are:

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

So, when do we have to worry?

We cannot deny that there are certain cases in which speaking alone can constitute a symptom of mental disorder . However, on these occasions the person often experiences many other symptoms that reveal the existence of a psychiatric disorder.

In cases of psychosis, the person not only speaks alone, but this symptom is accompanied by others such as delusions, hallucinations or behavioral disorders . In these disorders, it is possible that the person speaks alone in response to a series of auditory hallucinations; therefore the person would not be speaking to himself but to his own hallucination. Unlike private speech, these speeches are characterized by incomprehensibility and lack of logic.

In the same way, another case in which private speech is harmful is in those situations in which the person uses it to belittle himself or transmit negative messages to himself . This manifestation out loud of negative ideas and 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 person’s normal functioning.