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Affective processing in aphantasia and potential overlaps with alexithymia: Mental imagery facilitates the recognition of emotions in oneself and others

DOI: 10.1016/j.bionps.2024.100106
Monzel, M., Karneboge, J., & Reuter, M. (2024). Affective processing in aphantasia and potential overlaps with alexithymia: mental imagery facilitates the recognition of emotions in oneself and others. Biomarkers in Neuropsychiatry, 11, 100106. doi:10.1016/j.bionps.2024.100106

Abstract

New research reveals interesting insights into how aphantasia affects emotional processing. Scientists conducted two studies examining how people with aphantasia experience and recognize emotions compared to those without aphantasia. The first study found that people with aphantasia showed reduced emotional responses, especially when processing verbal descriptions of emotional situations (compared to viewing images). While they could still understand and respond to emotional content, their reactions were less intense. This was particularly noticeable when they had to imagine scenarios rather than directly see them. The second study looked at emotion recognition - how well people could identify emotions in others' faces. Interestingly, people with aphantasia were just as accurate at identifying emotions as those without aphantasia. However, they were slightly slower at making these identifications, suggesting they might use different strategies that don't rely on mental imagery. The research suggests that while aphantasia may affect how quickly and intensely we process emotional information, it doesn't prevent emotional understanding or recognition. Instead, people with aphantasia may develop alternative strategies for processing emotional information that don't rely on mental visualization.

Authors

  • Merlin Monzel23
  • Jana Karneboge4
  • Martin Reuter15

Understanding Aphantasia and Emotional Processing

Overview/Introduction

A recent study delves into how aphantasia, a condition where individuals have little to no mental imagery, influences emotional processing. Researchers explored how people with aphantasia experience and recognize emotions compared to those without the condition. The study aimed to understand whether the absence of mental imagery affects emotional responses and recognition.

Methodology

The research comprised two studies:
  • Study 1: This study involved 30 individuals with aphantasia and 75 without. Participants were exposed to both visual and verbal emotional stimuli. Researchers measured physiological responses, like skin conductance, and self-reported sympathy to assess emotional reactions.
  • Study 2: The same participants were tested on their ability to recognize emotions in facial expressions. This involved a task where participants identified emotions from brief facial expressions, and their response times were recorded.

Key Findings

  • Reduced Emotional Responses: People with aphantasia exhibited less intense emotional responses, especially to verbal descriptions of emotional scenarios. This suggests that mental imagery plays a role in the intensity of emotional experiences.
  • Emotion Recognition: Despite having aphantasia, participants were just as accurate in recognizing emotions in others as those without the condition. However, they were slower, indicating they might use different strategies that don't rely on mental imagery.
  • Connection to Alexithymia: The study found a higher prevalence of alexithymic symptoms (difficulty in identifying and describing emotions) in individuals with aphantasia. The vividness of mental imagery was a mediator in the relationship between alexithymia and self-reported sympathy.

Implications

  • Alternative Strategies: People with aphantasia might develop alternative strategies for processing emotions that don't rely on mental visualization. This highlights the brain's adaptability in compensating for the lack of mental imagery.
  • Emotional Understanding: The findings suggest that while aphantasia affects the intensity and speed of emotional processing, it doesn't hinder the understanding or recognition of emotions. This could have implications for developing supportive strategies for individuals with aphantasia in emotional and social contexts.

Limitations

  • Sample Size and Diversity: The study's sample size was relatively small, and the participants were not diverse, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
  • Focus on Visual and Verbal Stimuli: The research primarily focused on visual and verbal stimuli, potentially overlooking other sensory inputs that might influence emotional processing.
In conclusion, this research sheds light on how aphantasia affects emotional processing, suggesting that while it may alter the intensity and speed of emotional responses, it doe...