Thanks for the pointer. I like the work these folks are doing. I was exposed to it via Martin Seligman's book "Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life". It's a fascinating look at what makes different people happy, and how anyone can adopt the fundamentals for improvement. As I recall, there are three key dimensions of self-talk:

1. Temporary and changeable versus permanent and fixed.
2. About a specific area of their lives as opposed to something global and general.
3. Influenced by an external source as opposed to blaming themselves for an internal defect.

(This from "It's Hard to Make a Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys" by Marilyn Paul.)

More here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learned_helplessness http://www.shearonforschools.com/learned_optimism.htm http://jollyblogger.typepad.com/jollyblogger/2005/05/learning_optimi.html