Motivation and Learning Strategies for College Success : A Self-management Approach

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MANAGEMENT OF EMOTION AND EFFORT 125

TABLE 5.1

NEGATIVE SELF-TALK

Type Characteristics Favorite Expression Examples of Self-Talk

The Worrier Imagines the

worst situation

“What if.. .”... “I get called on

and I can’t answer

the question.”

The Critic Judges or

evaluates your

behavior; points

out your flaws and

limitations

“That was stupid!” “My term paper

needed more

library research

and another draft.”

The Victim Feels helpless

or hopeless

“I can’t.” “I’ll never

be able to.”

“I’m just too tired

to do anything

today.”

The

Perfectionist

Tells you that your

efforts aren’t good

enough

“I should.” “I have

to.” “I must.” “I

could have.”

“If I take some time

off from studying. I

keep thinking: ‘You

should be studying.’”

Adapted from Bourne (1995) and Ottens (1991)

efforts are not good enough (Bourne, 1995). Individuals may display

more than one type of self-talk in any situation. Table 5.1 summarizes

information on each of the four types of self-talk. Do these character-

istics play a role in your thinking, feelings, and behavior? If so, how?

EXERCISE 5.3: CLASSIFYING NEGATIVE

SELF-TALK

The following are examples of negative self-talk. After studying Table

5.1, identify the type of self-talk—the Worrier, the Critic, the Victim,

or the Perfectionist—depicted in each statement.

Type Statement

1. “I should have made an appointment to see
   my instructor.”


2. “I will never be able to make the dean’s list,
   so what’s the point in even trying.”


3. “I always find some way to screw up!”


4. “What if I start stuttering in the middle of
   my speech?”


5. “I could have done better.”