Congenital lack and extraordinary ability in object and spatial imagery: An investigation on sub-types of aphantasia and hyperphantasia

Abstract

This study explores different subtypes of aphantasia and hyperphantasia, conditions related to variations in mental imagery. The study collected data on various aspects of mental imagery, including spatial and object imagery, as well as memory and face recognition abilities. Results showed a distinction between two subtypes of aphantasia/hyperphantasia, with spatial aphantasia associated with difficulties in spatial imagery and sense of direction, while object aphantasia was linked to difficulties in imaging single items and events. The opposite pattern was found in spatial and object hyperphantasia. The study also found that associative involuntary imagery can be preserved in aphantasia. This suggests that although individuals with aphantasia may have difficulties with visualizing objects or events, they are still able to experience involuntary imagery, such as images that come to mind without intentional effort. Evidently, more than one type of aphantasia and hyperphantasia exists and this study highlights the importance of considering multiple aspects when investigating these conditions.