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Measuring imagery strength in schizophrenia: no evidence of enhanced mental imagery priming

DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3146
Wagner, S., & Monzel, M. (2023). Measuring imagery strength in schizophrenia: no evidence of enhanced mental imagery priming. Brain and Behavior, 13(9). doi:10.1002/brb3.3146

Abstract

Recent research shows ambivalent results regarding the relationship between mental imagery and schizophrenia. The role of voluntary visual imagery in schizophrenic hallucinations remains unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between visual imagery, schizophrenia, and the occurrence of schizophrenic hallucinations using an objective visual imagery task.MethodsThe sample consisted of 16 participants with schizophrenia (59.1% female; MAge = 45.55) and 44 participants without schizophrenia (62.5% female; MAge = 43.94). Visual imagery was measured using the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ) as well as the well‐validated Binocular Rivalry Task (BRT). Occurrences of hallucinations were assessed using the Launay–Slade Hallucination Scale.ResultsParticipants with schizophrenia showed more hallucinatory experiences but did not score higher on either the VVIQ or the BRT than participants without schizophrenia. A correlation between the VVIQ and the BRT was found, validating the measurement of visual imagery and enabling the interpretation that visual imagery vividness is not enhanced in people with schizophrenia.ConclusionThe association between mental imagery vividness and schizophrenia found in previous studies may be based on other facets of mental imagery than visual imagery.

Authors

  • Sophie Wagner1
  • Merlin Monzel23

Understanding Visual Imagery and Schizophrenia

Overview/Introduction

This study explores the complex relationship between mental imagery and schizophrenia, particularly focusing on whether visual imagery contributes to hallucinations in individuals with schizophrenia. While previous research has shown mixed results, this study aims to clarify these associations using objective measures of visual imagery.

Methodology

  • Participants: The study involved 60 participants, including 16 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and 44 without. The average age was around 44 years, with a balanced gender distribution.
  • Measures: Visual imagery was assessed using two tools:
  • Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ): A self-report measure of how vividly participants can visualize images.
  • Binocular Rivalry Task (BRT): An objective test where participants visualize patterns and report their vividness.
  • Hallucinations: The Launay–Slade Hallucination Scale was used to assess the frequency and nature of hallucinations.

Key Findings

  • Individuals with schizophrenia reported more hallucinatory experiences than those without the condition.
  • Surprisingly, there was no significant difference in visual imagery vividness between the two groups, as measured by both the VVIQ and BRT.
  • A correlation between the VVIQ and BRT validated these tools as reliable measures of visual imagery.
  • Visual imagery did not mediate or moderate the relationship between schizophrenia and hallucinations, except for hallucinations with religious themes, where a link was found.

Implications

  • Clinical Understanding: The findings suggest that enhanced visual imagery is not a characteristic of schizophrenia, challenging some previous assumptions.
  • Focus on Other Imagery Types: Future research should explore other forms of mental imagery, such as auditory imagery, which may be more relevant to understanding hallucinations in schizophrenia.
  • Targeted Interventions: Understanding specific types of hallucinations, like those with religious themes, could lead to more tailored therapeutic approaches.

Limitations

  • Sample Size: The relatively small number of participants with schizophrenia may limit the generalizability of the findings.
  • Diverse Hallucination Types: The study primarily focused on visual imagery, potentially overlooking other sensory modalities that could be more relevant in schizophrenia.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the role of visual imagery in schizophrenia, suggesting that it does not directly contribute to hallucinations. However, it highlights the need for further research into different sensory modalities of mental imagery to better understand and predict schizophrenia's course and severity.