Imagined Interactions and Inner Speech

Abstract

Similarities and differences between inner speech and imagined interactions (IIs) are discussed. Selected studies in both areas are reviewed. Inner speech originally was conceptualized as a stage in language acquisition and the process of thought. It reflects speaking to oneself in the form of monologue. It has been referred to as verbal thinking, inner speaking, covert self-talk, internal monologue, and internal dialogue as people talk to themselves in silence. IIs are similar, yet different in that imaginary dialogue reflects talking to another person while monologue is self-talk. IIs are a type of daydreaming, social cognition, and mental imagery in which people experience cognitive representations of conversation with accompanying verbal and nonverbal features. We highlight relevant studies in the areas of daydreaming, public speaking, rumination, cardiovascular arousal, and road rage. We conclude with two suggestions for future research.

Imagine Me and You, I Do: Characteristics and Functions of Imagined Interactions During Online Dating

“…Arvidsson (2006) expounds on the capability of imagination in digital dating, "It is suggested that such 'fantasy work'the work of imagining situations, people, and relationsis activated to an unprecedented extent in the online economy…Dating sites are where the powers of fantasy are stimulated " (p. 672, 678). Imagined interactions (IIs) have similarly been used to describe this type of fantasy/imagination work involved in interpersonal relationships (Honeycutt, 2003(Honeycutt, , 2010(Honeycutt, , 2020LeFebvre et al, 2021;Vickery, 2019) and have a clear use in CMC and digital dating. The present study seeks to apply the interpersonal construct of IIs to CMC, specifically in the realm of online dating, to explore the nature of imagination work while using dating apps and sites.…”

Communication in the Time of COVID-19: An Examination of Imagined Interactions and Communication Apprehension During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The function of an II is essentially its use, or why a person is experiencing an II-how it is functioning for that individual. Among the functions that have been identified by researchers are catharsis, relational maintenance, rehearsal, conflict linkage, compensation, and self-understanding (Honeycutt, 2003b(Honeycutt, , 2008(Honeycutt, , 2020. To better understand these functions, they can be broken down based on when and why they are experienced.…”

“…Relational maintenance, as a function of IIs, allows one to prepare for or reflect on conversations had with close friends, relatives, or colleagues and is important for relationships that stretch over time and space; as people are currently separated from loved ones, friends, and close colleagues, how individuals experience IIs that fulfill the relational maintenance function will, theoretically, have changed as many relationships have had to move online (Honeycutt, 2009). The rehearsal function of IIs allows a person to plan ahead for potential communication episodes and has been proven to reduce public speaking anxiety (Honeycutt et al, 2009;Honeycutt, 2020) and improve performance (Choi et al, 2015;Gotcher & Honeycutt, 1989;May & Asken, 1987). As boardroom presentations, education, and much more has shifted online, it would seem that the rehearsal function of IIs would continue to function in a similar manner, as individuals prepare for virtual communication.…”

“…The attributes are the context in which the II is occurring, and eight attributes have been identified (Honeycutt, 2003b(Honeycutt, , 2008(Honeycutt, , 2020: valence, proactivity, retroactivity, self-dominance, specificity, frequency, discrepancy, and variety. First, the valence of an II refers to the kinds of emotions associated with the II: positive, negative, or neutral.…”

“…Previous studies have indicated that IIs can assist in "manifesting" outcomes and reducing public speaking anxiety (Honeycutt et al, 2009;Honeycutt, 2020). It could easily be argued that IIs are an individual's most useful tool in planning for and reflecting upon communication, whether one is preparing for a conversation with a family member or partner or if one is preparing for a staff meeting or public speaking event.…”