Question to the brain

I solve problems by talking about it?

Questioner: Martina Wirth via the Internet

When I discuss my problems with friends, I come up with new solutions. Speaking changes the perception of the problem?

The editor’s answer is:

Tom Brinthaupt from Learning, Teaching, and Innovative Technologies Center at Middle Tennessee State University:

There are many advantages to talking to friends about our problems. This helps us especially when we talk about very traumatic experiences that we have never told anyone about. It makes us feel better both mentally and physically. However, in this situation we do not primarily solve a problem, but feel better because we speak out.

I can try to answer the question on the basis of research on soliloquy. Then the answer is: it depends. It depends on what problems are involved, how I talk to myself or others about it and what my character is like. Some people have very effective problem solving skills, can view things from different perspectives and regulate their emotions – others cannot. These properties can hinder or facilitate problem solving. This is true when we talk about problems with ourselves or with others.