The Power of Words… How Language Reflects and Shapes Our Health

Thursday, May 2, 2024. This is for RB. .. another big idea…isn’t it?

Recent research highlights the profound connection between the words we use and our mental and physical well-being.

According to Dr. Vera Vine, the lead author of a study on this topic, our language reflects our comfort and familiarity with different emotional states…

She noted, “Our language seems to indicate our expertise with states of emotion we are more comfortable with.” For example, folks who frequently use words like "glad," "joyful," and "perky" are not only more likely to experience these positive emotions but also tend to be in better physical health.

The study, which analyzed stream-of-consciousness essays from over 1,500 students and over 35,000 public blogs, revealed that the language we use can influence our emotional state. According to Dr. Vine, “While writing the essays, people who used more words for sadness grew sadder and people who talked about fear became more fearful.” On the other hand, using more words for positive emotions, such as achievements and leisure activities, was associated with markers of mental well-being.

Dr. Vine emphasized the importance of expanding emotional vocabularies, particularly in clinical settings. She stated, “There’s a lot of excitement right now about expanding people’s emotional vocabularies and teaching how to precisely articulate negative feelings.” However, she also cautioned against over-labeling negative emotions. Instead, she suggested that teaching positive words could be a valuable approach in improving emotional well-being.

Professor James W. Pennebaker, a co-author of the study, highlighted that humans who have experienced more upsetting life events may have developed a more nuanced negative emotion vocabulary.

He stated, “It is likely that people who have had more upsetting life experiences have developed richer negative emotion vocabularies to describe the worlds around them.” This heightened sensitivity to negative emotions could impact their overall mood and well-being.

Apparently, the language we use is not merely a tool for communication but also a reflection of our emotional experiences.

As Dr. Vine suggests, we may also enhance our mental and physical health, leading to a more fulfilling life when we understand and expand our emotional vocabularies.

Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.