Preliminary data on a relation between self-talk and complexity of the self-concept

Abstract

Examined the existence of a relation between the complexity (or richness) of the self-concept and a more or less frequent use of self-talk. 85 Caucasian French-Canadian Roman Catholic undergraduate students from Quebec, served as Ss. The complexity of the self-concept was assessed using the 'Who Are You?' (W-A-Y) method (J. F. T. Bugental, 1964). A pilot questionnaire developed in another study (A. Morin et al, 1993) was used to measure Ss' natural disposition to talk to themselves, about themselves. A moderate but positive correlation of .30 was obtained between self-concept and self-talk. Clinical implications of the study have been discussed