14/12/2025
Neuroimaging studies, including those using fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance imaging), have investigated how self-talk impacts the connections between different brain networks, including those related to motivation, self-awareness, and executive control. These studies reveal that engaging in self-talk, particularly positive self-talk, can lead to measurable changes in brain activity and connectivity.
Here’s how self-talk influences these networks:
1. Motivation Network (reward system).
📑Self talk and reward processing: Studies suggest that self-talk can affect the reward system, particularly the nucleus accumbens (NA), which is a key region involved in motivation and reward prediction.
📑Positive self-talk: Positive self-talk (e.g. self respect or affirmations) can lead to increased activity in the prefrontal cortex and impact the reward system, suggesting a potential for boosting confidence and motivation.
📑Negative self-talk: Negative self-talk, such as self-criticism, can trigger the body’s stress response and may decrease reward system activation, hindering motivation.
2. Self-awareness network (default mode network - DMN)
📑Self-talk and self-referential processing: Self-talk directly engages regions involved in self-referential processing, such as the prefrontal cortex and the DMN.
📑Impact on self-perception: The content and tone of our self-talk significantly influence how we perceive ourselves. Positive self-talk can foster compassion and boost self-esteem.
📑DMN and self-reflection: The DMN is actively involved in self-reflection and inner monologue. Excessive negative self-talk can lead to over-activation of the DMN and rumination, contributing to conditions like anxiety, depression, cardiovascular problems, sleep disturbances, digestive issues, and can even lead to autoimmune conditions through chronic stress.
PMID: 34290300
