Final answer:
The notion that most self-talk is positive is false. Individuals experience a mix of self-talk that can be influenced by their beliefs about control over outcomes. Metacognition can be used to manage strong emotions, promoting healthier self-talk.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that most self-talk tends to be positive is false. While it might seem that we should encourage or congratulate ourselves often, in reality, many individuals can experience a mix of positive and negative self-talk. Negative self-talk can frequently occur, especially in response to certain situations or stressors. Self-efficacy, which is the belief that we can control our outcomes, can be influenced by our internal dialogue. However, if a person tends to have more negative self-talk, they might lean towards an external locus of control, which is the belief that our outcomes are outside of our control.
In situations where we face strong emotions or stress, it's beneficial to engage in metacognition, the process of thinking about our own thinking, to identify the sources of these emotions and proactively manage them. An example of fostering a healthier mindset can be seen in the scenario where a businessman uses positive self-talk to cope with his nervousness about asking for a raise, focusing on the reward of hard work rather than solely on the outcome.