The Impact of Soothing Media on the Content of Prospective Mental Imagery. Photo-Elicitation and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study

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Gouveia Gaglianone, C., Zhu, L., Gillespie-Smith, K., & Schwannauer, M. (2025). The impact of soothing media on the content of prospective mental imagery. photo-elicitation and interpretative phenomenological analysis study. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 44(3), 257–286. doi:10.1177/02762366241306398

Abstract

Positive mental imagery (PMI) is believed to counteract the negative effects of anxiety and depression. However, research on PMI remains nascent. Participants often report difficulties in generating positive mental imagery, including prospective mental imagery, which involves creating hypothetical future events based on episodic memory. The present qualitative study investigated the prospective mental imagery content and the influence of soothing videos on prospective mental imagery production. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants aged 18–65 years of various nationalities. The data were analyzed using, an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The study found that prospective mental imagery content, included, regardless of nationality and age, was related to A) goals, including life a life and career milestones, B) time with family and friends, and C) travel. Participants also reported that it was easier to produce vivid PMI after soothing videos were presented. These findings suggest that regardless of the similar content across demographics, interpretation is subjective and linked to individual factors. These insights should be considered in the clinical setting when addressing mental imagery.

Authors

Catarina Gouveia Gaglianone1
Lian Zhu1
Karri Gillespie-Smith1
Matthias Schwannauer1

What This Study Is About

This study explores how picturing the future in the "mind's eye" influences a person’s emotions and their drive to achieve goals. Researchers looked at the content of these mental pictures—called prospective mental imagery—to see how they help people plan their lives or manage their feelings.

How They Studied It

The researchers used a qualitative approach, meaning they focused on the detailed personal descriptions provided by participants rather than just numbers. They interviewed a group of people (primarily women under the age of 30) and asked them to generate and describe specific mental images of future events. These included career milestones, personal goals, and social interactions. The team then analyzed these descriptions to find common themes in what people "see" and how it makes them feel.

What They Found

The study found that mental imagery acts as a "motivational amplifier." When participants pictured themselves succeeding—such as graduating or landing a dream job—the mental image triggered feelings of excitement and energy that pushed them toward those goals.

However, imagery isn't always positive. Some people experienced "flash-forwards" to stressful situations, which caused anxiety. The researchers also found that people frequently visualize social scenes, like conversations with friends or family, to rehearse interactions or maintain relationships. Interestingly, travel was a major theme; many participants used vivid imagery of places like the Maldives or Kilimanjaro as a way to find comfort and relaxation.

What This Might Mean

This research suggests that the ability to visualize the future is a key part of how many people stay motivated and process emotions. For those with aphantasia—the inability to voluntarily create mental images—this study highlights a specific cognitive tool they may not use in the same way. While people with aphantasia still set goals and have emotions, they likely rely on different internal methods, such as factual thinking or "inner speech," to achieve the same results. The study also reminds us that an image's emotional impact depends on how a person interprets it, not just what the image depicts.

One Interesting Detail

The researchers discussed "ID-images," which are mental pictures with a strange emotional mismatch: a person might imagine something objectively negative or distressing, yet find the mental image itself strangely comforting or soothing.

The Impact of Soothing Media on the Content of Prospective Mental Imagery. Photo-Elicitation and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study

Abstract

Authors

The Impact of Soothing Media on the Content of Prospective Mental Imagery. Photo-Elicitation and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study

Abstract

Authors

The Impact of Soothing Media on the Content of Prospective Mental Imagery. Photo-Elicitation and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study

Abstract

Authors

The Impact of Soothing Media on the Content of Prospective Mental Imagery. Photo-Elicitation and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study

Abstract

Authors

What This Study Is About

How They Studied It

What They Found

What This Might Mean

One Interesting Detail

What This Study Is About

How They Studied It

What They Found

What This Might Mean

One Interesting Detail

Joel Pearson

Merlin Monzel

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