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Inner monologue.

(51 Posts)
kircubbin2000 Tue 15-Jul-25 11:08:24

Research estimates that between 30 to 50% of people have an internal monologue, though the number of those who report no internal monologue was much lower, somewhere between five to 10%. In short, I'm the weird one. "Roughly 25% to a third of people engage in inner speaking," sai


d Russell Hurlburt, Ph. D.15 Sept 2024


Do you have an inner monologue?

ViceVersa Tue 15-Jul-25 11:11:10

I read this a few weeks ago and was actually amazed to discover that some people don't have one! I always thought everyone did.

Kateykrunch Tue 15-Jul-25 11:23:34

Oh my gosh, thank you, good to know others have this. I wish mine would shut the bleep up sometimes though!

J52 Tue 15-Jul-25 11:40:24

I do, I thought everyone did. It’s amazing, I’m now having an inner monologue about why some people don’t have one.

w1u7 Tue 15-Jul-25 12:12:13

What is it?

ViceVersa Tue 15-Jul-25 12:13:31

"Also referred to as “internal dialogue,” “the voice inside your head,” or an “inner voice,” your internal monologue is the result of certain brain mechanisms that cause you to “hear” yourself talk in your head without actually speaking and forming sounds."

Elusivebutterfly Tue 15-Jul-25 12:17:10

I am aware that some people do not have an inner monologue but cannot imagine not having one.

Oreo Tue 15-Jul-25 12:20:39

Or just ‘thoughts’ as most of us call it.😄
I suspect the percentage of people saying they don’t are either brain dead or didn’t understand the question.

Luckygirl3 Tue 15-Jul-25 12:23:34

I chatter away to myself all the time - I'm the only person here - and the only person whose judgement I truly trust!

Oreo Tue 15-Jul-25 12:28:28

Luckygirl3

I chatter away to myself all the time - I'm the only person here - and the only person whose judgement I truly trust!

It’s the only way to get a sensible answer.😄

Lathyrus3 Tue 15-Jul-25 12:42:10

Mine only stops when blocked by something else like really listening to another persons n, a good book or absorbing film.

But I do know people who say they don’t have an inner monologue

“ Sometimes I sits and thinks.
And sometimes I just sits…..”

SueDonim Tue 15-Jul-25 12:59:10

I don’t really understand what an internal monologue is. I’m always thinking, my brain never seems to stop. Is that the same thing? I’m often busy in my sleep, too!

Lathyrus3 Tue 15-Jul-25 13:02:49

Some people think in words, some people think in images.

Some quite literally don’t think anything sometimes.

Scribbles Tue 15-Jul-25 13:18:51

If I didn't have one, I would assume I was dead.

fancyflowers Tue 15-Jul-25 13:19:05

I always have an inner monologue going - it's at its worst when I'm trying to get to sleep.
It switches off if I'm reading or watching something interesting though.
I think everyone must have them, as even before we speak, the words must already be there in your brain before you say something, it's just too fast for you to realize it.

ViceVersa Tue 15-Jul-25 13:24:23

I think mine is a bit weird - because if it's not 'thoughts' or worries, I'm 'singing' song lyrics to myself in my head.

TerriBull Tue 15-Jul-25 13:31:29

Yes I think so I play things out in my head. I think my mum on occasions got in the habit of talking to herself in her later years not in a demented way, just voicing plans, thoughts that sort of thing, I did say once "mum did you know you're talking to yourself" "I do" she said "because I get some very sensible replies" grin

JamesandJon33 Tue 15-Jul-25 15:05:16

Absolutely I do. Talk to myself all the time. I get intelligent answers to my questions too

Etoile2701 Wed 16-Jul-25 13:52:18

What is an internal monologue?

midgey Wed 16-Jul-25 13:55:05

Lathyrus I was blown away when my husband told me he thought in pictures, I thought every thought in words!

midgey Wed 16-Jul-25 13:55:29

Everyone!

Minnieme Wed 16-Jul-25 14:00:30

Exactly

olderme Wed 16-Jul-25 14:07:46

My husband used to tell me to 'stop thinking' when I was sitting still . I could never understand what he meant, or how anyone could not think. .Now I do. Even during sleep. Brain is on 24 hours.

HiPpyChick57 Wed 16-Jul-25 15:57:26

I’m trying to imagine what it’s like not to have one but I can’t. How can you not?I mean if you don’t have it, do you just sit there as if you’re switched off??? 🤔

HiPpyChick57 Wed 16-Jul-25 15:58:50

What do you have instead then?
I’m intrigued now. 🤔