People who talk often about themselves more prone to depression and anxiety, study says

The connection between people who are very self-focused or narcissistic and their increased likelihood of depression or anxiety has been studied for some time now.

But now a small study out of Germany suggests that people who say "me," "myself," and "I" frequently are more likely to struggle with both depression and anxiety.

"Using first-person singular pronouns highlights the self as a distinct entity," lead author Johannes Zimmerman of University of Kassel tells Medical Daily.

Also see: Depression can actually be contagious, study claims

The study will be published in the June issue of the Journal of Research in Personality.

Zimmerman conducted psychotherapeutic 60-90 minute interviews with 103 women and 15 men -- 99 of whom were patients receiving treatment for conditions ranging from eating disorders to anxiety. The researchers asked participants about their relationships, past experiences and self-perception.

Participants who used more first-person singular pronouns were more likely to exhibit attention-seeking behaviour, inappropriate self-disclosure, an inability to spend time alone and greater difficulty interacting with other people in a group setting.

The researchers theorized they have needier personalities and consequently rely more on others to give them validation or happiness, thus increasing their risks of depression when other people fail to fulfill their needs.

Also see: Can a diet beat depression?

Participants who used words like "we" and "us" more frequently were less prone to depression and anxiety. According to researchers, these participants maintained "appropriate" boundaries while still engaging in healthy, productive relationships.

"Using first-person plural pronouns emphasizes being embedded into social relationships," Kassel tells Medical Daily.

What are your thoughts on this study? Do you believe the findings to be true based on the people in your life?