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Aphantasia and hyperphantasia: exploring imagery vividness extremes

DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2024.02.007
Zeman, A. (2024). Aphantasia and hyperphantasia: exploring imagery vividness extremes. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 28(5), 467–480. doi:10.1016/j.tics.2024.02.007

Abstract

The vividness of imagery varies between individuals. However, the existence of people in whom conscious, wakeful imagery is markedly reduced, or absent entirely, was neglected by psychology until the recent coinage of 'aphantasia' to describe this phenomenon. 'Hyperphantasia' denotes the converse – imagery whose vividness rivals perceptual experience. Around 1% and 3% of the population experience extreme aphantasia and hyperphantasia, respectively. Aphantasia runs in families, often affects imagery across several sense modalities, and is variably associated with reduced autobiographical memory, face recognition difficulty, and autism. Visual dreaming is often preserved. Subtypes of extreme imagery appear to be likely but are not yet well defined. Initial results suggest that alterations in connectivity between the frontoparietal and visual networks may provide the neural substrate for visual imagery extremes.

Authors

  • Adam Zeman14

Understanding Aphantasia and Hyperphantasia: Imagery Extremes

Overview/Introduction

Imagine trying to picture an apple in your mind. For most people, this is easy, but for some, it’s nearly impossible. This phenomenon is known as aphantasia, where individuals have little to no mental imagery. On the other end of the spectrum is hyperphantasia, where mental images are as vivid as real life. These conditions affect about 1% and 3% of the population, respectively. This paper explores the nature, causes, and implications of these imagery extremes.

Methodology

Researchers used a variety of methods to study aphantasia and hyperphantasia:
  • Questionnaires: Participants rated their ability to visualize scenarios using tools like the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ).
  • Behavioral Tests: Tasks were designed to assess how imagery affects memory and perception.
  • Physiological Measures: Responses like skin conductance and pupil reactions were monitored to see how they correlate with mental imagery.
  • Neuroimaging: Brain scans were used to explore differences in brain activity and connectivity.

Key Findings

  • Aphantasia tends to run in families and can affect multiple senses, not just vision. People with aphantasia often have reduced autobiographical memory and may struggle with face recognition.
  • Hyperphantasia is less studied but appears more common than aphantasia. It is often linked to creative professions.
  • Both conditions are associated with distinct neural patterns, particularly in the connectivity between the brain's frontoparietal and visual networks.
  • Despite the lack of imagery, people with aphantasia can still dream visually and perform well in tasks that typically require visualization.

Implications

  • Occupational Choices: People with aphantasia are more likely to work in scientific fields, while those with hyperphantasia often pursue creative careers.
  • Memory and Perception: Aphantasia is linked to weaker autobiographical memory and face recognition, but it might protect against conditions like PTSD by reducing the impact of negative imagery.
  • Mental Health: The lack of vivid imagery in aphantasia might offer some protection against certain mental health issues, while hyperphantasia could increase the risk of hallucinations.

Limitations

  • Diversity of Experiences: There may be subtypes of aphantasia and hyperphantasia that are not yet fully understood.
  • Measurement Challenges: Relying on self-reported data can be subjective, and more objective measures are needed to validate findings.
In summary, aphantasia and hyperphantasia offer unique insights into how our brains process imagery and how this affects our lives. Further research could uncover more about the genetic and neural underpinnings of these conditions, potentially leading to new ways of understanding and supporting individuals with these experiences.