Although often seen as tedious, verbosity can have a positive side, bringing detail and thoroughness, especially useful in literature and in situations that require attention to detail.
Prolixity: A Double-Edged Sword Prolixity, from the Latin “prolixus”, describes the tendency to use excessive words, excessive detail and waste in superfluous explanations. Although often seen as tedious, verbosity can have a positive side, bringing detail and thoroughness, especially useful in literature and in situations that require attention to detail.
Characteristics of Wordy People
- Detailism: Strict attention to detail.
- Valuing Communication: Belief that more words bring clarity.
- Synthesis Difficulty: Challenges in summarizing information.
- Passion for the subject: Enthusiasm that leads to extensive explanations.
- Need to Be Heard: Use of more words to ensure understanding.
- Social Skills and Empathy: Challenges in perceiving others’ disinterest.
- Preference for Exploratory Contexts: I like in-depth discussions.
Causes of Prolixity
- Personality Traits: Natural tendency to detail.
- Anxiety or Insecurity: Fear of misunderstandings or criticism.
- Enthusiasm for the Subject: Deep interest that leads to excessive detail.
- Cultural or Educational Context: Influences from environments that value details.
- Lack of Awareness: Lack of awareness of one’s own verbose behavior.
- Professional Habits: Requirements for detail in certain careers.
- Fear of Being Misunderstood: Desire for absolute clarity.
- Difficulty Being Concise: Lack of ability to summarize.
Prolixity in Childhood
- Family Communication Models: Imitation of parental styles.
- Positive Reinforcement of Wordy Behavior: Encouragement of detail.
- Need for Attention or Affirmation: Use of wordiness to gain attention.
- Education and School Experiences: Encouraging detailing in schools.
- Highly Verbal Environments: Growth in intense communication environments.
- Anxiety and Insecurity: Use of verbosity as a defense mechanism.
- Advanced Language Skills: Ability to express complexly.
- Response to Trauma or Stress: Using speech to process emotions.
Personality Traits in Wordy People
- Detailism and Perfectionism: Search for precision and completeness.
- Extroversion: Pleasure in interaction and verbal expression.
- Empathy: Awareness of the needs of others.
- Anxiety: Concern for clarity and understanding.
- Enthusiasm: Passion for the topics discussed.
- Insecurity: Desire for validation through communication.
- Intellectualism: Focus on knowledge and learning.
Big Five Factor Model
- Openness to Experience: Tendency to explore ideas in detail.
- Extroversion: More detailed and extensive communication.
- Neuroticism: Prolixity as an expression of concerns.
Prolixity and IQ
- Richness of Details: Inclusion of technical information in people with high IQ.
- Logical Conclusions: Use of complex reasoning.
- Use of Complex Examples: Demonstration of connections between concepts.
- Objectivity: Details with clear purposes.
- Focus on the Subject: Avoid irrelevant detours.
- Presentation Techniques: Clear and engaging communication.
- Depth of Details: Reflection of multifaceted understanding.
Neuroscience of Prolixity
- Broca and Wernicke’s areas: Crucial for language production and understanding.
- Frontal Lobes: Involved in planning and modulating behavior.
- Temporal Cortex: Important in auditory language processing.
- Brain Reward Circuit: Encourages reinforced behaviors.
- Connections between Language Areas: They influence the communication style.
- Neurotransmitters: Significant role in regulating mood and behavior.
Neurotransmitters and Prolixity
- Glutamate, GABA, Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine: Influence brain processes such as thinking and motivation, impacting communication.
Genetics of Prolixity
- DRD3 and COMT genes: Related to dopaminergic function, they can influence communication patterns.
Personality Disorders and Prolixity
- TPOC: Preoccupation with details.
- Schizoid: Difficulty expressing emotions.
- Schizotypal: Peculiar thinking.
- Narcissist: Focus on own achievements.
- Histrionics: Exaggerated expression.
Treatment
- Cognitive-behavioral, group, interpersonal and pharmacological therapies. Focus on improving communication skills and addressing personality disorder issues.
References:
Silva, JM & Costa, PT (2020). Extraversion and Communication: A Psychological Analysis of Prolixity. Journal of Personality Psychology, 34(2), 112-130.
Martins, LR & Almeida, FG (2019). Neuroanatomy of Language: Functions of Broca’s and Wernicke’s Areas in Prolixity. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 45(3), 200-215.
Pereira, AC & Santos, F. (2021). Family and School Influences on Children’s Communication: A Study on Prolixity. Developmental Psychology Journal, 58(1), 45-60.
Oliveira, M. & Rocha, B. (2018). Genetics and Communication: The Role of DRD3 and COMT Genes in Prolixity. Behavioral Genetics Journal, 39(4), 310-325.
Carvalho, FP & Lopes, M. (2022). Prolixity and Personality Disorders: A Clinical Analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 66(2), 150-165.
Nunes, S. & Barbosa, J. (2017). Communication Styles and Prolixity: A Social Linguistic Perspective. Journal of Social Linguistics, 22(3), 134-150.
Ferreira, D. & Gomes, T. (2020). Neurotransmitters and Wordy Behavior: A Neurochemical Study. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 44(5), 421-437.