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A cognitive profile of multi-sensory imagery, memory and dreaming in aphantasia

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65705-7
Dawes, A. J., Keogh, R., Andrillon, T., & Pearson, J. (2020). A cognitive profile of multi-sensory imagery, memory and dreaming in aphantasia. Scientific Reports, 10(1). doi:10.1038/s41598-020-65705-7

Abstract

For most people, visual imagery is an innate feature of many of our internal experiences, and appears to play a critical role in supporting core cognitive processes. Some individuals, however, lack the ability to voluntarily generate visual imagery altogether – a condition termed “aphantasia”. Recent research suggests that aphantasia is a condition defined by the absence of visual imagery, rather than a lack of metacognitive awareness of internal visual imagery. Here we further illustrate a cognitive “fingerprint” of aphantasia, demonstrating that compared to control participants with imagery ability, aphantasic individuals report decreased imagery in other sensory domains, although not all report a complete lack of multi-sensory imagery. They also report less vivid and phenomenologically rich autobiographical memories and imagined future scenarios, suggesting a constructive role for visual imagery in representing episodic events. Interestingly, aphantasic individuals report fewer and qualitatively impoverished dreams compared to controls. However, spatial abilities appear unaffected, and aphantasic individuals do not appear to be considerably protected against all forms of trauma symptomatology in response to stressful life events. Collectively, these data suggest that imagery may be a normative representational tool for wider cognitive processes, highlighting the large inter-individual variability that characterises our internal mental representations.

Authors

  • Alexei Joel Dawes3
  • Rebecca Keogh14
  • Thomas Andrillon2
  • Joel Pearson28

Understanding Aphantasia: A Peek into the Mind's Eye

Overview/Introduction

Visual imagery, or the ability to "see" with the mind's eye, is a common feature of human cognition, aiding in memory, imagination, and decision-making. However, some individuals experience a condition known as aphantasia, where they are unable to generate visual images voluntarily. This study explores the cognitive profile of individuals with aphantasia, comparing them to those with typical imagery abilities to understand how this condition affects various mental processes.

Methodology

Researchers conducted an online study involving 267 individuals with self-reported aphantasia and two control groups with typical visual imagery abilities. Participants completed a series of questionnaires assessing their sensory imagery, memory, dreaming, and response to stress. The study aimed to identify differences in cognitive processes between those with and without visual imagery.

Key Findings

  • Reduced Sensory Imagery: Aphantasic individuals reported significantly lower imagery across all sensory domains, not just visual. However, only about 26% reported a complete absence of multi-sensory imagery.
  • Memory and Imagination: Participants with aphantasia experienced less vivid autobiographical memories and struggled to imagine future scenarios in detail, suggesting that visual imagery plays a crucial role in these processes.
  • Dreaming: Aphantasic individuals reported fewer and less vivid dreams compared to controls, indicating that visual imagery might contribute to the richness of dream experiences.
  • Spatial Abilities: Despite their lack of visual imagery, aphantasic individuals showed no significant differences in spatial abilities, suggesting that these skills are preserved.
  • Trauma Response: The absence of visual imagery did not significantly protect aphantasic individuals from trauma-related symptoms, although they reported fewer intrusive memories.

Implications

The findings suggest that visual imagery is a fundamental cognitive tool that supports various mental processes, including memory and imagination. Understanding aphantasia can provide insights into how different cognitive processes are interconnected and may inform therapeutic approaches for individuals with imagery-related difficulties.

Limitations

While the study provides valuable insights, it relies on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias. Additionally, the control groups were not perfectly matched in demographics, which could influence the results. Future research should use objective measures and consider demographic factors to validate these findings.
In summary, this research highlights the diverse ways in which visual imagery influences cognition and underscores the variability in human mental experiences. Understanding aphantasia not only sheds light on this unique condition but also enriches our knowledge of the mind's inner workings.