Back to all research

Failures to Imagine

DOI: 10.1177/0276236616679963
Maxwell, R., Lynn, S. J., & Lilienfeld, S. (2017). Failures to imagine. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 36(3), 270–300. doi:10.1177/0276236616679963

Abstract

Although interest in the relationship between mental imagery and psychopathology has increased greatly over the last decade, few publications to date have examined relationships between personality-related psychopathology and mental imagery use, abilities, or both. However, we have reason to expect that substantive relationships may exist. For example, studies have consistently linked psychopathy and borderline personality disorder to problems in emotion experience and emotion regulation, and a growing number of studies indicate that deficits in visual mental imagery use and ability in particular may contribute to such problems. Using correlational data from multiple self-report measures of normal and pathological personality functioning and visual mental imagery, our study presents preliminary evidence for lower levels of self-reported visual mental imagery use, abilities, or both among noncriminal individuals with higher levels of self-reported psychopathy and individuals with greater emotional regulation difficulties, a core feature of borderline personality disorder. We also found significant relationships among self-reported visual mental imagery use, ability, or both, and personality variables shown to strongly predict psychopathy and emotional regulation difficulties. Limitations of the study, especially its reliance on a correlational, cross-sectional design, are discussed, and implications for future research are explored.

Authors

  • Reed Maxwell1
  • Steven Jay Lynn1
  • Scott Lilienfeld1

Understanding the Link Between Mental Imagery and Personality Disorders

Overview/Introduction

This study explores the intriguing connection between mental imagery and personality-related psychopathologies, such as psychopathy and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Mental imagery refers to the ability to create pictures or scenarios in the mind, which can influence how we experience and regulate emotions. The research investigates whether individuals with certain personality disorders have difficulties with mental imagery, which could contribute to their emotional and behavioral challenges.

Methodology

The researchers used self-report surveys to gather data from participants about their personality traits, mental imagery abilities, and emotional regulation. The study focused on noncriminal individuals who reported varying levels of psychopathy and emotional regulation difficulties, a key feature of BPD. The data were analyzed to identify correlations between mental imagery and personality traits.

Key Findings

  • Reduced Mental Imagery in Psychopathy and BPD: Individuals with higher levels of self-reported psychopathy and those with emotional regulation difficulties reported using mental imagery less frequently and with less vividness.
  • Personality Predictors: The study found significant relationships between mental imagery abilities and personality traits that predict psychopathy and emotional regulation issues.
  • Empathy and Imagery: Higher levels of mental imagery use and ability were associated with greater empathy, suggesting that improving mental imagery might enhance empathetic understanding.

Implications

The findings suggest that enhancing mental imagery abilities could potentially improve emotional regulation and empathy in individuals with psychopathic tendencies or BPD. This could inform therapeutic approaches, such as mentalization-based therapy, which might help individuals better understand their own and others' mental states, leading to improved behavior regulation and interpersonal relationships.

Limitations

The study's correlational and cross-sectional design limits the ability to determine causation. It is unclear whether difficulties in mental imagery lead to emotional regulation issues or vice versa. Future research should explore these relationships further, possibly using experimental designs to establish causality.
In summary, this research highlights the potential role of mental imagery in personality disorders and opens avenues for therapeutic interventions that could enhance mental imagery skills to improve emotional and interpersonal functioning.