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The role of visual imagery in story reading: Evidence from aphantasia

DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2024.103645
Speed, L. J., Eekhof, L. S., & Mak, M. (2024). The role of visual imagery in story reading: evidence from aphantasia. Consciousness and Cognition, 118, 103645. doi:10.1016/j.concog.2024.103645

Abstract

Aphantasia is a condition in which people are unable to experience visual imagery. Since visual imagery is thought to be key to language processing, we hypothesized the experience of a story would differ between individuals with aphantasia and controls. Forty-seven individuals with aphantasia were compared to fifty-one matched controls on their experience of reading a short story and their general reading habits. Aphantasics were less likely to be engaged with, interested in, and absorbed in the story, and experienced reduced emotional engagement with and sympathy for the story characters, compared to controls. Yet, aphantasics and controls did not differ in how much they liked or appreciated the story, and in general, the reading habits of the two groups also did not differ. Results have implications for embodied theories of language, suggesting visual imagery may influence how a story is experienced, but it is not the only route to story enjoyment.

Authors

  • Laura J. Speed3
  • Lynn S. Eekhof1
  • Marloes Mak1

Understanding Aphantasia and Story Reading

Overview/Introduction

Aphantasia is a condition where individuals cannot form visual images in their minds. This study explores how this lack of visual imagery affects the way people with aphantasia experience reading stories compared to those who can visualize. The researchers aimed to understand if visual imagery is crucial for enjoying and engaging with a story.

Methodology

  • Participants: The study involved 47 individuals with aphantasia and 51 control participants who can visualize. Participants were matched based on age and gender.
  • Story: All participants read "My Dead" by Peter Orner, a short story with an ambiguous ending.
  • Assessment Tools: Participants rated their experience using various scales, including the Transformative Reading Scale, which measures visualization, sympathy, and resonance with the story.
  • Data Collection: Participants also answered questions about their general reading habits and preferences.

Key Findings

  • Engagement and Absorption: Individuals with aphantasia were less engaged and absorbed in the story compared to controls. They also showed reduced emotional engagement and sympathy for the characters.
  • Story Appreciation: Despite differences in engagement, both groups liked and appreciated the story similarly.
  • Attention to Story Elements: Aphantasics found descriptions of scenery, actions, and characters' inner worlds less attention-grabbing than controls.
  • Reading Habits: Surprisingly, aphantasics and controls did not differ in their reading habits, including the number of books read per year and genre preferences. However, aphantasics reported consuming fiction and non-fiction through other media, like movies and documentaries, more frequently.

Implications

  • Language Processing: The findings suggest that while visual imagery enhances story engagement, it is not essential for story enjoyment. This challenges the idea that visual imagery is the only route to enjoying and understanding stories.
  • Alternative Engagement: Aphantasics may rely on other aspects, such as language style or plot, to engage with stories, indicating diverse ways people can enjoy literature.

Limitations

  • Sample Specificity: Participants were recruited from aphantasia-focused online communities, which may not represent all individuals with the condition.
  • Variability in Aphantasia: The study did not account for variations in aphantasia, such as differences in sensory modalities affected, which could influence reading experiences.
In conclusion, this study sheds light on how individuals with aphantasia experience stories differently, emphasizing the role of visual imagery in reading while highlighting alternative pathways to story enjoyment. Future research could explore how these findings apply to different types of literature and other forms of media.