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The varieties of inner speech questionnaire – Revised (VISQ-R): Replicating and refining links between inner speech and psychopathology

DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2018.07.001
Alderson-Day, B., Mitrenga, K., Wilkinson, S., McCarthy-Jones, S., & Fernyhough, C. (2018). The varieties of inner speech questionnaire – revised (visq-r): replicating and refining links between inner speech and psychopathology. Consciousness and Cognition, 65, 48–58. doi:10.1016/j.concog.2018.07.001

Abstract

Inner speech is a common experience for many but hard to measure empirically. The Varieties of Inner Speech Questionnaire (VISQ) has been used to link everyday phenomenology of inner speech - such as inner dialogue - to various psychopathological traits. However, positive and supportive aspects of inner speech have not always been captured. This study presents a revised version of the scale - the VISQ-R - based on factor analyses in two large samples: respondents to a survey on inner speech and reading (N = 1412) and a sample of university students (N = 377). Exploratory factor analysis indicated a five-factor structure including three previous subscales (dialogic, condensed, and other people in inner speech), an evaluative/critical factor, and a new positive/regulatory factor. Confirmatory factor analysis then replicated this structure in sample 2. Hierarchical regression analyses also replicated a number of relations between inner speech, hallucination-proneness, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and dissociation.

Authors

  • Ben Alderson-Day1
  • Kaja Mitrenga1
  • Sam Wilkinson1
  • Simon McCarthy-Jones1
  • Charles Fernyhough1

Understanding Inner Speech: A New Perspective

Overview/Introduction

Inner speech, or the act of talking to oneself in the mind, is a common yet complex experience that plays a significant role in our daily lives. It can help us process thoughts, plan actions, and even influence our emotions. However, measuring inner speech has been challenging for researchers. This study introduces a revised tool, the Varieties of Inner Speech Questionnaire - Revised (VISQ-R), to better understand the different types of inner speech and their connections to mental health.

Methodology

The study involved two large groups of participants:
  • Sample 1: 1,412 individuals who responded to a survey about inner speech and reading.
  • Sample 2: 377 university students.
Researchers used a method called factor analysis to identify patterns in the ways people experience inner speech. They revised the original questionnaire to include new items that capture both positive and negative aspects of inner speech.

Key Findings

The revised questionnaire identified five distinct types of inner speech:
  • Dialogic: Conversations with oneself.
  • Condensed: Brief and to-the-point thoughts.
  • Other People: Imagining conversations with others.
  • Evaluative/Critical: Self-criticism or judgment.
  • Positive/Regulatory: Encouraging and supportive self-talk.
The study found that:
  • Evaluative and dialogic inner speech were linked to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem.
  • Positive inner speech was less common but important for emotional regulation.
  • People prone to hallucinations often reported more evaluative and dialogic inner speech.

Implications

This research highlights the importance of understanding inner speech as it relates to mental health. By identifying different types of inner speech, therapists and counselors can better support individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, or self-esteem issues. Encouraging positive inner speech could be a valuable tool in therapy and personal development.

Limitations

While the study provides valuable insights, it has some limitations:
  • The sample was primarily university students, which may not represent the general population.
  • The study relied on self-reported data, which can be subjective.
Overall, the revised VISQ-R offers a more comprehensive understanding of inner speech and its impact on mental health, paving the way for future research and practical applications in psychological therapy.