The Nexus of Hoarding and Mental Imagery Extremes: Exploring Hoarding Tendencies in Aphantasia and Hyperphantasia

DOI: 10.31124/advance.175507979.94103201/v1

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Sabel, I., Kay, L., Pearson, J., & Grisham, J. (2026). The nexus of hoarding and mental imagery extremes: exploring hoarding tendencies in aphantasia and hyperphantasia. Psychological Reports. doi:10.1177/00332941261425581

Abstract

Having attenuated visualization has been proposed to confer vulnerability to hoarding, although some studies have found no differences in visualizing between individuals who hoard and controls. To clarify this, we investigated the presence and severity of hoarding symptoms and beliefs in a specialist sample of aphantasics (those without imagery) and hyperphantasics (those with extremely vivid imagery), compared to mid-range/typical visualizers, while controlling for confounds (i.e., age and depression levels). Bayesian analysis revealed stronger evidence favouring a lack of difference in hoarding symptoms between aphantasics ( n = 58) and case-matched typical visualizers, although we found moderately strong evidence to suggest aphantasics were more inclined to report using objects as memory aids; a hoarding specific coping strategy. We also found moderately strong evidence to suggest hyperphantasics ( n = 23) had lower hoarding symptoms compared to case-matched typical visualizers and were less likely to live in cluttered homes, whereas evidence was weaker/inconclusive regarding differences in hoarding beliefs. Overall, findings suggest attenuated visualization does not necessarily predispose hoarding, but enhanced visualizing capacities may protect against hoarding symptom development.

Authors

Isaac Sabel1
Lachlan Kay4
Joel Pearson35
Jessica Grisham1

What This Study Is About

This study explores whether the strength of a person’s "mind’s eye" affects their tendency to hoard. Researchers wanted to see if people with aphantasia (who cannot create mental images) or hyperphantasia (who have extremely vivid mental images) are more or less likely to struggle with clutter and difficulty letting go of possessions.

How They Studied It

The researchers compared three groups of people: 58 individuals with aphantasia, 23 with hyperphantasia, and a "control group" of typical visualizers. Participants completed several questionnaires that measured the severity of hoarding symptoms, their level of emotional attachment to objects, and how much they used physical items as "memory aids" to help them remember the past.

What They Found

The study found that people with aphantasia were no more likely to have hoarding symptoms than typical visualizers. However, people with hyperphantasia actually had significantly lower hoarding symptoms. They were less likely to live in cluttered homes and felt less personally identified with their belongings. Interestingly, while aphantasics didn't hoard more, they were more likely to use physical objects as memory aids, likely because they cannot rely on mental pictures to recall memories.

What This Might Mean

These findings suggest that being unable to visualize does not automatically make someone a hoarder. Instead, having a very strong "mind's eye" might actually protect someone from developing hoarding tendencies, perhaps because they can easily "see" their memories without needing the physical object in front of them. Because the group of hyperphantasics was relatively small, more research is needed to confirm if these vivid mental images truly act as a shield against hoarding.

One Interesting Detail

Even though they had fewer hoarding symptoms overall, people with hyperphantasia were more likely to "anthropomorphize" their objects—meaning they were more prone to giving their possessions human-like qualities or feelings.

The Nexus of Hoarding and Mental Imagery Extremes: Exploring Hoarding Tendencies in Aphantasia and Hyperphantasia

Abstract

Authors

The Nexus of Hoarding and Mental Imagery Extremes: Exploring Hoarding Tendencies in Aphantasia and Hyperphantasia

Abstract

Authors

The Nexus of Hoarding and Mental Imagery Extremes: Exploring Hoarding Tendencies in Aphantasia and Hyperphantasia

Abstract

Authors

The Nexus of Hoarding and Mental Imagery Extremes: Exploring Hoarding Tendencies in Aphantasia and Hyperphantasia

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

Adam Zeman

Rebecca Keogh

Martin Reuter

Juha Silvanto

Paolo Bartolomeo

Carla Dance

Jianghao Liu

Fraser Milton