Open Access

Rebekka von Kirchbach

• This bachelor thesis is dedicated to investigating the role of inner dialogues in professional self-realization. The empirical study was conducted using by means of an online questionnaire with 122 participants using a mixed-methods approach. The aim of the study was to analyze the mechanisms underlying positive and negative selftalk and their influence on goal achievement attainment and subjective well-being in professional life. The results show that significant self-doubt is often associated with negative inner dialogues, while a higher sense of happiness is associated with more positive inner dialogues. There is also a correlation between the perception of positive inner dialogues and the feeling of control over them. The results that Generation Z has more negative inner dialogues in relation to professional self-realization compared to other generations were not statistically significant. Gender-specific differences were also not statistically proven, with the exception of women's greater willingness to take professional risks. The results suggest that negative inner dialogues represent a significant barrier to the realization of professional goals and can contribute to dissatisfaction in professional life. Furthermore, these inner dialogues have been shown to result in significant substantial uncertainty regarding one's own decision- making processes, both in a private and professional context.