AphantasiaResearch
Explore a comprehensive collection of academic papers, research studies, and scientific publications about aphantasia, imagery, and cognitive neuroscience.
Definition: Aphantasia
This research defines aphantasia—the inability to form mental images in one's mind—and establishes clear terminology for this cognitive variation. The international team of authors provides foundational definitions distinguishing between visual, auditory, and multisensory forms of aphantasia, while also addressing its congenital and acquired origins. Their work is essential for understanding individual differences in mental imagery and advancing scientific study of the diverse ways people experience imagination.Retry
Zeman, A., Monzel, M., Pearson, J., Scholz, C. O., & Simner, J. (2025). Definition: aphantasia. Cortex, 182, 212–213. doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2024.07.019
Sensory representations in primary visual cortex are not sufficient for subjective imagery
Mental imagery involves sensory representations in the brain that resemble perception but don't result from it. This study found that while both visualizers and aphantasics can have sensory representations in the visual cortex, only visualizers experience vivid mental images, suggesting that higher brain regions, like the precuneus, are key for ...
Cabbai, G., Racey, C., Simner, J., Dance, C., Ward, J., & Forster, S. (n.d.). Sensory representations in primary visual cortex are not sufficient for subjective imagery. doi:10.1101/2024.01.10.574972
Mental imagery and visual attentional templates: A dissociation
Mental imagery does not impact the automatic use of attentional templates in visual tasks. Even individuals with aphantasia, who lack mental imagery, showed similar attention patterns to those with vivid imagery. This suggests that mental imagery and attentional templates operate independently.
Cabbai, G., Brown, C. R., Dance, C., Simner, J., & Forster, S. (2023). Mental imagery and visual attentional templates: a dissociation. Cortex, 169, 259–278. doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2023.09.014
The role of visual imagery in face recognition and the construction of facial composites. Evidence from Aphantasia
People with aphantasia struggle with face recognition but can still create accurate facial composites from memory. While they find it hard to match faces, their ability to construct facial composites remains unaffected. This suggests visual imagery aids face recognition and matching but not composite creation.
Dance, C. J., Hole, G., & Simner, J. (2023). The role of visual imagery in face recognition and the construction of facial composites. evidence from aphantasia. Cortex, 167, 318–334. doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2023.06.015
Aphantasia within the framework of neurodivergence: Some preliminary data and the curse of the confidence gap
Neurodiversity highlights the diverse ways people think and learn, challenging the idea of a "correct" way. Aphantasia, affecting 3.9% of people, is where individuals can't visualize images mentally. The paper argues it's not a disorder but a neutral form of neurodivergence, aligning with the broader understanding of neurodiversity.
Monzel, M., Dance, C., Azañón, E., & Simner, J. (2023). Aphantasia within the framework of neurodivergence: some preliminary data and the curse of the confidence gap. Consciousness and Cognition, 115, 103567. doi:10.1016/j.concog.2023.103567
Proposal for a consistent definition of aphantasia and hyperphantasia: A response to Lambert and Sibley (2022) and Simner and Dance (2022)
This research proposes consistent definitions for aphantasia and hyperphantasia in response to debates about terminology in the field of mental imagery research. The authors advocate for simple, unified terms that can be modified by sensory modality (e.g., "visual aphantasia" or "auditory aphantasia") rather than creating multiple novel terms for each type of imagery absence. Their work aims to establish clear, practical definitions that serve the scientific and clinical communities while acknowledging the diverse ways people experience—or do not experience—mental imagery across different senses.
Monzel, M., Mitchell, D., Macpherson, F., Pearson, J., & Zeman, A. (2022). Proposal for a consistent definition of aphantasia and hyperphantasia: a response to lambert and sibley (2022) and simner and dance (2022). Cortex, 152, 74–76. doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2022.04.003
The prevalence of aphantasia (imagery weakness) in the general population
Approximately 4% of people have aphantasia, a condition where they cannot create mental images. This study found that aphantasia is relatively rare and affects both genders equally.
Dance, C., Ipser, A., & Simner, J. (2022). The prevalence of aphantasia (imagery weakness) in the general population. Consciousness and Cognition, 97, 103243. doi:10.1016/j.concog.2021.103243
What is the Link Between Mental Imagery and Sensory Sensitivity? Insights from Aphantasia
People with aphantasia, who can't form mental images, also show reduced sensitivity to sensory input. This research suggests that aphantasia might be part of a broader condition affecting multiple senses, termed dysikonesia. The study links mental imagery with sensory sensitivity, showing that lower imagery correlates with lower sensory sensitiv...
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
What is the relationship between Aphantasia, Synaesthesia and Autism?
Aphantasia, a lack of visual imagery, can coexist with synaesthesia, affecting its type. People with aphantasia also report more autistic traits, like weak imagination and social skills, suggesting a link between aphantasia, synaesthesia, and autism. Further research is needed to understand these connections.
Dance, C., Jaquiery, M., Eagleman, D., Porteous, D., Zeman, A., & Simner, J. (2021). What is the relationship between aphantasia, synaesthesia and autism?. Consciousness and Cognition, 89, 103087. doi:10.1016/j.concog.2021.103087
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