A Cultural Analysis of Self-Talk: Its Relationship to Performance and Potential Moderators

Abstract

Self-talk, its relationship to performance, and responses to feedback were investigated in European Americans (Eu.A.s; n = 66), newly-arrived East Asians (E.A.s; n = 24), later-arrived E.A.s (n = 44), and Latinos (n = 35). Later-arrived E.A.s had a larger proportion of negative to positive self-talk than Eu.A.s. Regardless of cultural background, a greater proportion of negative self-talk related to poorer performance. All cultural groups perceived the task as more valid after receiving positive vs. negative feedback. Results did not replicate work by Peters and Williams (in press), questioning their concern regarding the use of cognitive interventions with E.A.s. Results suggest that E.A. and Latino groups are not homogenous, findings should not be generalized from one collectivist cultural background to another, negative self-talk can act as an indicator for fear of failure in Latinos, and acculturation in E.A.s influences fear of failure.