Why talking is good for our well-being

I'm sure we are all familiar with the expression “a problem shared is a problem halved”.  Now recent research affirms that communicating our thoughts and experiences to others, actually stimulates cognitive and neural mechanisms associated with reward and hence makes us feel better.   

The study, “Disclosing information about the self is intrinsically rewarding” was carried out by Harvard neuroscientist Diana Tamir and Harvard colleague Jason Mitchell and focused primarily on brain functionality associated with talking about oneself.  The evidence demonstrated that self disclosure was strongly linked with increased activation in brain regions that form what is known as the mesolimbic dopamine system. 

This system is recognised as the pathway in which dopamine is carried from one area of the brain to another and is responsible for controlling the brain’s pleasure and reward centers.  It is also associated with the functions of movement, preservation and compulsion. 

An MRI scanner was used to monitor the subjects’ brain by picking up changes in neurons activity as well as blood flow.  As a result, the scientists were able to distinguish the part of the brain that was responding to what the subject was talking about.  The experiment found that when people talked about themselves, which included beliefs and opinions, blood flow to region became significantly prominent. 

The study highlights that humans have a tendency to convey information about personal experience, because of the intrinsic value associated with self disclosure.  Whenever we face a problem, sometimes sharing our concerns or just simply relaying a fond memory to someone, can make us feel better and hence have a positive impact on our mental well-being and health.  Moreover, Tamir points out that by openly discussing our beliefs and opinions with others, has the added value of building social bonds and social alliances between people.

Perhaps we shouldn't underestimate the power of a conversation and the benefits of simply taking the time to listen and talk to someone.