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What is the Link Between Mental Imagery and Sensory Sensitivity? Insights from Aphantasia

DOI: 10.1177/03010066211042186
Dance, C. J., Ward, J., & Simner, J. (2021). What is the link between mental imagery and sensory sensitivity? insights from aphantasia. Perception, 50(9), 757–782. doi:10.1177/03010066211042186

Abstract

People with aphantasia have impoverished visual imagery so struggle to form mental pictures in the mind's eye. By testing people with and without aphantasia, we investigate the relationship between sensory imagery and sensory sensitivity (i.e., hyper- or hypo-reactivity to incoming signals through the sense organs). In Experiment 1 we first show that people with aphantasia report impaired imagery across multiple domains (e.g., olfactory, gustatory etc.) rather than simply vision. Importantly, we also show that imagery is related to sensory sensitivity: aphantasics reported not only lower imagery, but also lower sensory sensitivity. In Experiment 2, we showed a similar relationship between imagery and sensitivity in the general population. Finally, in Experiment 3 we found behavioural corroboration in a Pattern Glare Task, in which aphantasics experienced less visual discomfort and fewer visual distortions typically associated with sensory sensitivity. Our results suggest for the very first time that sensory imagery and sensory sensitivity are related, and that aphantasics are characterised by both lower imagery, and lower sensitivity. Our results also suggest that aphantasia (absence of visual imagery) may be more accurately defined as a subtype of a broader imagery deficit we name dysikonesia, in which weak or absent imagery occurs across multiple senses.

Authors

  • Carla Dance8
  • Jamie Ward2
  • Julia Simner8

Understanding Aphantasia: The Connection Between Mental Imagery and Sensory Sensitivity

Overview/Introduction

Aphantasia is a condition where individuals struggle to form mental images, often described as having an "impoverished visual imagery." This study explores the intriguing relationship between mental imagery and sensory sensitivity, which refers to how people react to sensory inputs like sights, sounds, and smells. By examining people with and without aphantasia, researchers aimed to uncover whether this condition affects not just visual imagery but also other sensory domains.

Methodology

The study was conducted through three experiments:
  • Experiment 1: Participants with aphantasia and a control group completed questionnaires assessing their ability to imagine sensory experiences across different domains (e.g., visual, auditory, olfactory) and their sensory sensitivity.
  • Experiment 2: A general population sample of university students was assessed to see if the relationship between imagery and sensitivity observed in aphantasics also applied to the broader public.
  • Experiment 3: A Pattern Glare Task was used to provide behavioral evidence of sensory sensitivity differences, where participants viewed visual patterns and reported discomfort and visual effects.

Key Findings

  • Imagery Across Senses: People with aphantasia reported weaker imagery not only visually but across multiple senses, such as smell and taste.
  • Sensory Sensitivity: Aphantasics also reported lower sensory sensitivity, meaning they were less reactive to sensory stimuli compared to those without aphantasia.
  • General Population: The link between mental imagery and sensory sensitivity was also found in the general population, indicating that as imagery ability increases, so does sensory sensitivity.
  • Behavioral Evidence: In the Pattern Glare Task, aphantasics experienced less visual discomfort and fewer visual distortions, supporting the idea of lower sensory sensitivity.

Implications

These findings suggest that aphantasia might be part of a broader condition affecting multiple senses, termed dysikonesia. Understanding this relationship can help redefine aphantasia and improve our comprehension of sensory processing differences. This research could influence approaches in fields like education and therapy, where sensory processing plays a crucial role.

Limitations

While the study provides valuable insights, it primarily relies on self-reported data, which can be subjective. Additionally, the research focused on a limited range of sensory domains, leaving out others like interoception (internal body sensations) that might also be affected.
In conclusion, this groundbreaking study highlights a novel connection between mental imagery and sensory sensitivity, offering a new perspective on aphantasia and its broader implications for sensory experiences.