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The Phenomenology of Offline Perception: Multisensory Profiles of Voluntary Mental Imagery and Dream Imagery

DOI: 10.3390/vision9020037
Bilzer, M., & Monzel, M. (2025). The phenomenology of offline perception: multisensory profiles of voluntary mental imagery and dream imagery. Vision, 9(2), 37. doi:10.3390/vision9020037

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 Monzel24

Understanding the Connection Between Mental Imagery and Dream Imagery

Overview/Introduction

Have you ever wondered why dreams feel so real, or how they relate to our imagination? This study explores the similarities and differences between voluntary mental imagery (the images we consciously create in our minds) and dream imagery (the images we experience while dreaming). Both are considered "offline perceptions," meaning they occur without external stimuli. The research aims to understand how these two types of imagery are connected and what factors influence their vividness.

Methodology

The study involved 226 participants who were asked to rate the vividness of their mental and dream imagery across different senses, such as sight, sound, and smell. This was done using questionnaires designed to measure how closely these images resembled real-life perceptions. Participants also reported on their frequency of dream recall and experiences with lucid dreaming (when one is aware they are dreaming and can sometimes control the dream).

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.

Implications

These findings suggest that while mental and dream imagery share some similarities, they also have distinct characteristics. Understanding these differences can help in fields like psychology and therapy, particularly in treating conditions like PTSD or nightmares. Techniques that improve mental imagery could potentially be applied to dream imagery, offering new avenues for therapeutic interventions.

Limitations

The study relied on self-reported data, which can be subjective. Additionally, the frequency of dream recall and lucid dreaming was only measured once, which may not fully capture changes over time. Future research could benefit from more objective measures and repeated assessments.
In summary, this research sheds light on the complex relationship between our waking imagination and the dreams we experience at night, highlighting both their shared and unique aspects.