Research on self-talk in the fields of sport psychology, education, and
communication has endorsed the practice of self-talk as a useful way to enhance
individual performance (Neck & Manz, 1992). Neck and Manz (1992) found examples of
self-talk having favorable performance effects on athletics, bad habit reduction, and
behavior modification. According to Neck and Manz, "Self-talk results in a
corresponding emotional state; and the type of self-talk experienced is a result of beliefs
the individual has internalized" (p. 688). The more success an individual has with
positive self-talk and positive mental imagery, the more likely it is that he or she will
frequently rely on constructive thought-pattern strategies for self-improvement (p. 690).