What is self-talk?

Self-talk refers to the internal dialogue that individuals have with themselves. It encompasses a person's thoughts, beliefs, and the narratives they create about their own life and identity. This ongoing internal conversation significantly influences a person's perception of themselves and their outlook on situations they encounter.

The belief one holds about themselves is fundamental to self-talk because it shapes their self-esteem, motivation, and behaviors. Positive self-talk can encourage individuals, foster resilience, and improve mental health, while negative self-talk can lead to self-doubt, anxiety, or a defeated mindset. This makes self-awareness crucial, as understanding one’s self-talk can help a person recognize harmful patterns and work towards more constructive and empowering thoughts.

The other options relate to different aspects of communication and reflection. While dialogues between individuals and feedback from others can influence self-perceptions, they are not the direct definition of self-talk. Similarly, discussions about goals may involve external conversations or planning strategies but do not encapsulate the concept of self-talk as an internal dialogue about one’s beliefs and thoughts.