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The prevalence of aphantasia (imagery weakness) in the general population

DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2021.103243
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

Abstract

This study investigated the ability of people to create visual images in their mind's eye, known as visual mental imagery. Some people have a rare condition called aphantasia, where they are unable to create these mental images or their visual imagery ability is markedly impaired. The study aimed to determine how common aphantasia is in the general population. The researchers screened two groups of people, one of undergraduate students and another recruited online, and found that approximately 4% of people had aphantasia. The study's findings suggest that aphantasia is a relatively rare condition, affecting less than 4% of the population, and is not biased towards any gender.

Authors

  • Carla Dance8
  • A. Ipser1
  • Julia Simner8

Understanding Aphantasia: A Study on Visual Mental Imagery

Overview/Introduction

Have you ever tried to picture a sunset in your mind? Most people can conjure up a vivid image, but some cannot. This inability to create mental images is known as aphantasia. A recent study explored how common this condition is among people. The researchers aimed to find out how many people experience aphantasia and whether it affects certain groups more than others.

Methodology

To investigate the prevalence of aphantasia, researchers conducted a study involving two groups:
  • Undergraduate Students: A group of students from a university participated in the study.
  • Online Participants: Another group was recruited through online platforms to ensure a diverse sample.
Participants were asked to perform tasks that assessed their ability to create mental images. The researchers used these tasks to identify individuals who might have aphantasia.

Key Findings

The study revealed several important insights:
  • Prevalence: Approximately 4% of the people tested were found to have aphantasia.
  • Gender Neutrality: The condition appears to affect people regardless of gender, showing no significant bias towards males or females.
  • Rarity: Aphantasia is relatively rare, affecting less than 4% of the general population.

Implications

Understanding aphantasia has several practical implications:
  • Education: Teachers and educators can tailor learning experiences to accommodate students with aphantasia, who may struggle with tasks that rely on visual imagery.
  • Workplace: Employers can consider different approaches for tasks that typically require visualization, ensuring inclusivity for employees with aphantasia.
  • Further Research: This study opens the door for more research into how aphantasia affects other cognitive processes and daily life activities.

Limitations

While the study provides valuable insights, there are some limitations:
  • Sample Diversity: Although the study included online participants, the sample may not fully represent the global population.
  • Self-Reporting: The reliance on self-reported data could introduce bias, as participants might not accurately assess their own mental imagery abilities.
In conclusion, this study sheds light on the rare condition of aphantasia, affecting a small percentage of the population without gender bias. By understanding and acknowledging this condition, society can better support those who experience it in educational and professional settings.