Role of Types of Inner Speech in the Prediction of Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, Somatization, and Distress in the Normal Population

It is extremely common for adults to use self-talk to regulate their behavior. However, the underlying processes leading to differences in inner speech are not well understood. In this study, the correlation between various forms of self-talk and symptoms of anxiety (hyperactivity), depression, sleepiness, and distress was investigated.

The research method is a descriptive correlation type. The statistical population of the study included all 10 000 students of Mohaghegh Ardabili University in Iran in the academic year of 2019-2020. A total of 378 students of Mohaghegh Ardabili University were selected through a multi-stage cluster sampling method. The varieties of the inner speech questionnaire (VISQ) and the four-dimensional symptom questionnaire (4DSQ) were administered to all subjects. Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise multivariate regression analysis were used. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 23.

The results showed the strongest inner speech for predicting anxiety, depression, and somatization disorders is another type of inner speech. On the other hand, in those with distress symptoms, evaluative/critical inner speech was appropriately predictive. Also, positive-regulative inner speech negatively predicts anxiety, depression, and distress. In the normal population, positive regulative inner speech is considered an appropriate predictor. 

Consequently, probably two types of inner speech evaluation-critical and positive-regulative exist that have more powerful construct validity, and usage of other inner speech is questionable.