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

DOI: 10.1177/02762366241306398
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

Overview/Introduction

Positive mental imagery (PMI) is a mental exercise where individuals visualize hypothetical future events, which can help counteract anxiety and depression. However, many people struggle to generate vivid and positive mental images. This study explores how soothing videos might assist in creating more vivid prospective mental imagery and examines the types of content people imagine. The research involved 20 participants from various backgrounds and aimed to understand how these mental images are influenced by soothing stimuli.

Methodology

The study used a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with participants aged 18 to 65. These interviews were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to gain insights into personal experiences with PMI. Participants were shown a 10-minute compilation of soothing videos featuring nature scenes, such as water features, landscapes, and animals. They were then asked to describe their mental imagery and the emotional impact of these visualizations.

Key Findings

  • Common Themes in Mental Imagery: Regardless of age or nationality, participants' mental imagery often revolved around:
  • Goals: Achieving life and career milestones.
  • Relationships: Spending time with family and friends.
  • Travel: Exploring new places and cultures.
  • Impact of Soothing Videos: Participants reported that the soothing videos made it easier to create vivid and clear mental images. These videos served as a concrete base, enhancing the vividness and ease of generating mental imagery.
  • Emotional Effects: The mental imagery, especially when aided by soothing videos, often left participants feeling calm, soothed, and sometimes energetic and excited.

Implications

The study suggests that incorporating soothing media into therapeutic practices could enhance the effectiveness of PMI exercises, especially for individuals struggling with anxiety and depression. By making it easier to generate vivid and positive mental images, soothing videos could help individuals better manage their emotional states and motivate them towards achieving personal goals.

Limitations

The study had several limitations:
  • Some participants struggled to understand or engage with the concept of mental imagery.
  • The open-ended nature of the interviews required frequent clarifications, which might have influenced responses.
  • The study did not account for aphantasia (the inability to visualize mental images), relying on participants' self-awareness.
  • Some participants reported mind-wandering during the video presentation, which could affect the results.
Overall, while the study provides valuable insights, these limitations suggest that further research is needed to refine the methods and explore the broader applicability of the findings.