The Phenomenology of Offline Perception: Multisensory Profiles of Voluntary Mental Imagery and Dream Imagery
Abstract
Both voluntary mental imagery and dream imagery involve multisensory representations without externally present stimuli that can be categorized as offline perceptions. Due to common mechanisms, correlations between multisensory dream imagery profiles and multisensory voluntary mental imagery profiles were hypothesized. In a sample of 226 participants, correlations within the respective state of consciousness were significantly bigger than across, favouring two distinct networks. However, the association between the vividness of voluntary mental imagery and vividness of dream imagery was moderated by the frequency of dream recall and lucid dreaming, suggesting that both networks become increasingly similar when higher metacognition is involved. Additionally, the vividness of emotional and visual imagery was significantly higher for dream imagery than for voluntary mental imagery, reflecting the immersive nature of dreams and the continuity of visual dominance while being awake and asleep. In contrast, the vividness of auditory, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile imagery was higher for voluntary mental imagery, probably due to higher cognitive control while being awake. Most results were replicated four weeks later, weakening the notion of state influences. Overall, our results indicate similarities between dream imagery and voluntary mental imagery that justify a common classification as offline perception, but also highlight important differences.
Authors
- Maren Bilzer1
- Merlin Monzel23
Understanding the Connection Between Mental Imagery and Dream Imagery
Overview/Introduction
Methodology
Key Findings
- Distinct Networks: The study found that mental imagery and dream imagery operate in two distinct networks. However, they become more similar when people frequently recall their dreams or experience lucid dreaming.
- Vividness Differences: Dream imagery was found to be more vivid emotionally and visually, reflecting the immersive nature of dreams. In contrast, voluntary mental imagery was more vivid in auditory, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile senses, likely due to greater cognitive control when awake.
- Consistency Over Time: Most findings were consistent when participants were re-evaluated four weeks later, suggesting stable patterns in how we experience mental and dream imagery.