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Mental Imagery: Functional Mechanisms and Clinical Applications

DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2015.08.003
Pearson, J., Naselaris, T., Holmes, E. A., & Kosslyn, S. M. (2015). Mental imagery: functional mechanisms and clinical applications. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 19(10), 590–602. doi:10.1016/j.tics.2015.08.003

Abstract

Mental imagery research has weathered both disbelief of the phenomenon and inherent methodological limitations. Here we review recent behavioral, brain imaging, and clinical research that has reshaped our understanding of mental imagery. Research supports the claim that visual mental imagery is a depictive internal representation that functions like a weak form of perception. Brain imaging work has demonstrated that neural representations of mental and perceptual images resemble one another as early as the primary visual cortex (V1). Activity patterns in V1 encode mental images and perceptual images via a common set of low-level depictive visual features. Recent translational and clinical research reveals the pivotal role that imagery plays in many mental disorders and suggests how clinicians can utilize imagery in treatment.

Authors

  • Joel Pearson28
  • Thomas Naselaris1
  • Emily A. Holmes4
  • Stephen M. Kosslyn1

Understanding Mental Imagery: New Insights and Applications

Overview/Introduction

Mental imagery, the ability to visualize things in our mind without direct sensory input, has long intrigued scientists. Recent research has provided new insights into how mental imagery works and its significance in both everyday life and mental health. This research shows that mental imagery is not just a figment of imagination but a real process that closely resembles actual perception in the brain. Understanding this can help us better treat mental disorders where imagery plays a crucial role.

Methodology

Researchers have used a combination of behavioral studies, brain imaging techniques, and clinical research to study mental imagery. Brain imaging, particularly functional MRI (fMRI), has been pivotal in showing that the brain processes mental images similarly to how it processes real images. These studies focus on the primary visual cortex (V1), where both mental and perceptual images are encoded using similar visual features.

Key Findings

  • Mental Imagery as Perception: Mental imagery functions like a weak form of perception. The brain's activity patterns during mental imagery resemble those during actual perception, particularly in the early visual cortex.
  • Role in Mental Disorders: Imagery plays a significant role in mental disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. For instance, intrusive imagery in PTSD can maintain the disorder by repeatedly triggering distressing memories.
  • Imagery and Memory: There is a strong link between mental imagery and visual working memory. People with strong mental imagery tend to have better visual memory performance.

Implications

  • Clinical Applications: Understanding mental imagery can improve treatments for mental disorders. Techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can incorporate imagery to help patients process and overcome distressing thoughts.
  • Everyday Function: Mental imagery helps us plan, remember, and make decisions. It is a fundamental part of how we simulate future scenarios and recall past experiences.

Limitations

While the research provides valuable insights, there are still challenges. Mental imagery is subjective and varies greatly among individuals, making it difficult to study uniformly. Additionally, while brain imaging shows similarities between mental imagery and perception, the exact mechanisms and differences remain to be fully understood.
In conclusion, mental imagery is a powerful tool that our brains use to navigate the world, and understanding it better can lead to improved mental health treatments and a deeper understanding of human cognition.