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Don't think of a pink elephant: Individual differences in visualisation predict involuntary imagery and its neural correlates

DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2024.10.020
Arnold, D. H., Hutchinson, M., Bouyer, L. N., Schwarzkopf, D. S., Pellicano, E., & Saurels, B. W. (2025). Don't think of a pink elephant: individual differences in visualisation predict involuntary imagery and its neural correlates. Cortex, 183, 53–65. doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2024.10.020

Abstract

Researchers at the University of Queensland conducted a fascinating study examining how different people's ability to visualize relates to their control over unwanted mental images. They asked participants to either imagine certain things (like a pink elephant) or specifically try not to imagine them, while measuring their brain activity. The study found that people who naturally have vivid mental imagery were more likely to experience unwanted visual thoughts, even when trying not to have them. In contrast, those with weaker visualization abilities - including people with aphantasia - showed greater resistance to these intrusive mental images. This doesn't mean people with aphantasia have completely "peaceful" minds - their thoughts might just take different forms. While they may be less susceptible to unwanted visual thoughts, they can still experience other types of thinking and mental activity. The researchers used brain scanning technology (EEG) to observe different patterns of brain activity between those with strong versus weak visualization abilities. These patterns helped confirm that people with less vivid mental imagery weren't just converting visual thoughts into other sensory experiences - they were genuinely better at preventing unwanted mental images from forming. This research suggests that while aphantasia is often viewed as a "lack" of something, it may actually provide certain advantages, particularly in controlling unwanted visual thoughts and memories.

Authors

  • Derek H. Arnold3
  • Mary Hutchinson1
  • Loren N. Bouyer3
  • D. Samuel Schwarzkopf5
  • Elizabeth Pellicano2
  • Blake W. Saurels3

Understanding the Mind's Eye: How Visualization Affects Mental Imagery Control

Overview/Introduction

A team of researchers from the University of Queensland has explored the intriguing relationship between people's ability to visualize and their control over unwanted mental images. This study delves into how some individuals can vividly imagine things, while others struggle to do so, and how this affects their ability to manage intrusive thoughts.

Methodology

  • Participants: Individuals with varying abilities to visualize, including those with aphantasia (an inability to form mental images).
  • Tasks: Participants were asked to imagine specific visual or audio experiences, like seeing a pink elephant, or to try not to imagine them.
  • Tools: Brain activity was monitored using electroencephalography (EEG) to observe differences in neural patterns.

Key Findings

  • Vivid Imagery and Intrusive Thoughts: People with vivid mental imagery were more prone to experiencing unwanted visual thoughts, even when they tried not to.
  • Aphantasia and Resistance: Those with weaker visualization abilities, such as individuals with aphantasia, showed greater resistance to these intrusive thoughts.
  • Brain Activity Patterns: EEG results indicated distinct neural patterns between individuals with strong and weak visualization abilities, confirming that those with less vivid imagery were not simply converting visual thoughts into other sensory experiences.

Implications

  • Aphantasia as an Advantage: While often seen as a deficit, aphantasia may offer benefits, particularly in controlling unwanted visual thoughts and memories.
  • Mental Health Applications: Understanding these differences could inform therapeutic approaches for managing intrusive thoughts in conditions like PTSD or anxiety.

Limitations

  • Scope of Study: The study primarily focused on visual and audio experiences, leaving other sensory modalities unexplored.
  • Generalizability: As an exploratory study, further research is needed to confirm these findings across larger and more diverse populations.
This research sheds light on the complex interplay between visualization abilities and mental control, suggesting that what is often perceived as a cognitive limitation might actually provide unique advantages in managing the mind's imagery.