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“The Giant Black Elephant with white Tusks stood in a field of Green Grass”: Cognitive and brain mechanisms underlying aphantasia

DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2024.103790
Argueta, P., Dominguez, J., Zachman, J., Worthington, P., & Kana, R. K. (2025). “the giant black elephant with white tusks stood in a field of green grass”: cognitive and brain mechanisms underlying aphantasia. Consciousness and Cognition, 127, 103790. doi:10.1016/j.concog.2024.103790

Abstract

Scientists have made significant progress in understanding aphantasia, according to a comprehensive review of recent research. The study analyzed 52 research papers to paint a clearer picture of this unique way of experiencing the world. Key findings show that aphantasia affects approximately 4-9% of the population, though exact numbers vary between studies. While initially thought to just affect visual imagination, research now shows it can impact multiple areas of experience, including memory, emotions, and other senses. The review highlights that aphantasia isn't a disorder or deficit, but rather a different way of processing information. People with aphantasia often develop alternative strategies for tasks that others might approach through visualization. The growing aphantasia community (now including 67,000+ members on Reddit alone) has helped drive research interest and understanding. Researchers are particularly interested in how the brains of people with aphantasia might work differently, especially in areas related to memory and sensory processing. While some cases of aphantasia can occur after brain injury, most people are born with it (congenital aphantasia). The review points to exciting future research directions, including developing better ways to measure and understand aphantasia beyond current questionnaires, and exploring

Authors

  • Paula Argueta1
  • Julia Dominguez1
  • Josie Zachman1
  • Paul Worthington1
  • Rajesh K. Kana1

Understanding Aphantasia: A Different Way of Experiencing the World

Overview/Introduction

Aphantasia is a fascinating condition that affects how some people experience mental imagery. Unlike most people who can visualize images in their minds, individuals with aphantasia cannot create mental pictures. This comprehensive review of 52 research papers sheds light on aphantasia, revealing that it affects about 4-9% of the population. The condition is not a disorder but rather a unique way of processing information, impacting not just visual imagination but also memory, emotions, and other senses.

Methodology

The researchers conducted a systematic review of studies from three major databases: PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science. They focused on empirical studies that specifically examined individuals with aphantasia. The studies used various methods to assess aphantasia, including the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ) and psychophysical methods like the binocular-rivalry paradigm. These tools help measure the clarity and vividness of mental imagery and assess how aphantasia affects sensory perception.

Key Findings

  • Prevalence and Impact: Aphantasia affects 4-9% of people, influencing not only visual imagery but also memory, emotions, and other sensory experiences.
  • Brain Function: Research suggests that the brains of people with aphantasia may work differently, particularly in areas related to memory and sensory processing.
  • Community and Awareness: The growing aphantasia community, with over 67,000 members on Reddit, has increased research interest and understanding.
  • Subtypes and Comorbidities: There are potential subtypes of aphantasia, such as object and spatial imagery deficits. Some studies also link aphantasia with conditions like autism.
  • Memory and Emotions: Individuals with aphantasia often report diminished episodic and autobiographical memory and experience fewer dreams with less vivid emotions.

Implications

Understanding aphantasia can lead to new insights into how people process information differently. It highlights the importance of developing alternative strategies for tasks that typically rely on visualization. This knowledge can benefit educators, psychologists, and neuroscientists in tailoring approaches to learning and therapy for individuals with aphantasia.

Limitations

While the review provides valuable insights, it also highlights the limitations of current research. Many studies rely on self-reported data, which can be subjective. There is no standardized method for diagnosing aphantasia, and more objective measures are needed. Additionally, the field lacks comprehensive neuroimaging studies to explore the neural mechanisms underlying aphantasia.
In conclusion, aphantasia is a unique condition that challenges our understanding of mental imagery and sensory processing. Continued research is essential to uncover its complexities and develop better diagnostic tool...