The relationship between self-talk style and emotional difficulties in students

Self-talk style، which is the core set of cognitive- behavioral regulation that plays a crucial role in creating and continuing of emotional disturbances. By recognition of self talk style and its components، one can access to self control which has noticeable effect on self efficacy. This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between self talk and emotional difficulties in Payam-e-Noor University of Mashhad students.

In this descriptive-correlation study، 375 students of Payam-e-Noor University of Mashhad were selected using voluntarysampling in 2010. Self Talk Inventory (ST) and Depression، Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) were employed for assessment of self talk and emotional difficulties. Data were analyzed applying Pearson''s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis.

The results of Pearson’s correlation coefficient indicated that negative self talk is significantly associated with depression and anxiety (P≤0. 001) but not with stress. On the other hand، there was strong negative relationship between positive self talk and stress (P≤0. 05). Moreover، the results of regression analysis also showed that negative self talk can better predict depression and anxiety)P≤0. 001)، while positive self talk can predict stress (P≤0. 05).

Self talk style can predict students’ emotional difficulties. By increasing cognitive awareness and sensitivity through special training aimed to alter self talk style، we can promote students’ mental health and function.