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An international estimate of the prevalence of differing visual imagery abilities

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1454107
Wright, D. J., Scott, M. W., Kraeutner, S. N., Barhoun, P., Bertollo, M., Campbell, M. J., Waltzing, B. M., Dahm, S. F., Esselaar, M., Frank, C., Hardwick, R. M., Fuelscher, I., Marshall, B., Hodges, N. J., Hyde, C., & Holmes, P. S. (2024). An international estimate of the prevalence of differing visual imagery abilities. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1454107

Abstract

The aim of this research was to establish prevalence estimates for aphantasia, hypophantasia, typical imagery ability, and hyperphantasia in a large multi-national cohort. In Study 1, the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire was completed by 3,049 participants. Results indicated prevalence estimates of 1.2% for aphantasia, 3% for hypophantasia, 89.9% for typical imagery ability, and 5.9% for hyperphantasia. In Study 2, to replicate these findings in a larger sample, the Study 1 data were combined with openly available data from previous prevalence studies to create a total sample of 9,063 participants. Re-analysis of this data confirmed prevalence estimates of 0.9% for aphantasia, 3.3% for hypophantasia, 89.7% for typical imagery ability, and 6.1% for hyperphantasia. These robust and up-to-date estimates provide enhanced clarity to researchers regarding the prevalence of differing visual imagery abilities and provide a platform for future studies exploring the role of visual imagery in various cognitive and behavioral tasks.

Authors

  • David J Wright2
  • Matthew W Scott2
  • Sarah N. Kraeutner1
  • Pamela Barhoun1
  • Maurizio Bertollo1
  • Mark J. Campbell1
  • Baptiste M. Waltzing1
  • Stephan F. Dahm1
  • Maaike Esselaar2
  • Cornelia Frank1
  • Robert M. Hardwick1
  • Ian Fuelscher1
  • Ben Marshall1
  • Nicola J. Hodges1
  • Christian Hyde1
  • Paul S Holmes2

Understanding Visual Imagery Abilities: A Global Perspective

Overview/Introduction

Have you ever wondered how vividly you can picture things in your mind? This study explores the fascinating world of visual imagery abilities, focusing on four categories: aphantasia (no mental imagery), hypophantasia (limited mental imagery), typical imagery ability, and hyperphantasia (extremely vivid mental imagery). By surveying over 9,000 people from around the world, researchers aimed to understand how common these abilities are and what they mean for our daily lives.

Methodology

The research was conducted in two parts:
  • Study 1: 3,049 participants completed the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ), a tool that measures how vividly people can imagine things. Participants came from diverse backgrounds, representing 85 nationalities.
  • Study 2: Data from Study 1 was combined with previous studies, resulting in a total of 9,063 participants. This larger sample helped confirm the initial findings and provided a more comprehensive view of visual imagery abilities worldwide.
Participants answered questions about their age, gender, education, and nationality. The VVIQ scores were used to classify them into one of the four visual imagery categories.

Key Findings

The study revealed the following prevalence estimates:
  • Aphantasia: 0.9% of people cannot form mental images.
  • Hypophantasia: 3.3% have limited ability to create mental images.
  • Typical Imagery Ability: 89.7% have average mental imagery skills.
  • Hyperphantasia: 6.1% can visualize images as vividly as seeing them in real life.
These findings suggest that while most people have typical imagery abilities, a small percentage experience either extreme vividness or an absence of mental imagery.

Implications

Understanding visual imagery abilities can have practical implications:
  • Education and Learning: Tailoring teaching methods to suit different imagery abilities could enhance learning experiences.
  • Mental Health: Recognizing aphantasia or hyperphantasia can help in understanding certain cognitive and emotional processes, potentially leading to better mental health support.
  • Creativity and Innovation: Knowing one's imagery ability might influence career choices or creative pursuits.

Limitations

While the study provides valuable insights, it has some limitations:
  • Self-reported Data: The reliance on self-reported data could introduce bias.
  • Cultural Differences: The study's global nature means cultural differences in interpreting questions might affect results.
In conclusion, this research sheds light on the diversity of visual imagery abilities, paving the way for future studies to explore how these abilities affect our lives. Understanding where we fall on the imagery spectrum can help us appreciate our unique cognitive processes and how they shape our experiences.