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Behavioral and Neural Signatures of Visual Imagery Vividness Extremes: Aphantasia versus Hyperphantasia

DOI: 10.1093/texcom/tgab035
Milton, F., Fulford, J., Dance, C., Gaddum, J., Heuerman-Williamson, B., Jones, K., Knight, K. F., MacKisack, M., Winlove, C., & Zeman, A. (2021). Behavioral and neural signatures of visual imagery vividness extremes: aphantasia versus hyperphantasia. Cerebral Cortex Communications, 2(2). doi:10.1093/texcom/tgab035

Abstract

Although Galton recognized in the 1880s that some individuals lack visual imagery, this phenomenon was mostly neglected over the following century. We recently coined the terms “aphantasia” and “hyperphantasia” to describe visual imagery vividness extremes, unlocking a sustained surge of public interest. Aphantasia is associated with subjective impairment of face recognition and autobiographical memory. Here we report the first systematic, wide-ranging neuropsychological and brain imaging study of people with aphantasia (n = 24), hyperphantasia (n = 25), and midrange imagery vividness (n = 20). Despite equivalent performance on standard memory tests, marked group differences were measured in autobiographical memory and imagination, participants with hyperphantasia outperforming controls who outperformed participants with aphantasia. Face recognition difficulties and autistic spectrum traits were reported more commonly in aphantasia. The Revised NEO Personality Inventory highlighted reduced extraversion in the aphantasia group and increased openness in the hyperphantasia group. Resting state fMRI revealed stronger connectivity between prefrontal cortices and the visual network among hyperphantasic than aphantasic participants. In an active fMRI paradigm, there was greater anterior parietal activation among hyperphantasic and control than aphantasic participants when comparing visualization of famous faces and places with perception. These behavioral and neural signatures of visual imagery vividness extremes validate and illuminate this significant but neglected dimension of individual difference.

Authors

  • Fraser Milton3
  • Jon Fulford2
  • Carla Dance8
  • James Gaddum2
  • Brittany Heuerman-Williamson2
  • Kealan Jones2
  • Kathryn F Knight1
  • Matthew MacKisack4
  • Crawford Winlove5
  • Adam Zeman14

Understanding Aphantasia and Hyperphantasia: A Study on Visual Imagery

Overview/Introduction

Visual imagery is a mental process where individuals can imagine scenes and objects without them being physically present. While most people experience some level of visual imagery, there are extremes: aphantasia, where individuals lack visual imagery, and hyperphantasia, where individuals experience extremely vivid imagery. This study explores these conditions to understand their impact on memory, personality, and brain function.

Methodology

Researchers conducted a comprehensive study involving 69 participants divided into three groups: 24 with aphantasia, 25 with hyperphantasia, and 20 with average imagery vividness. They used a combination of neuropsychological tests and brain imaging techniques, such as fMRI, to assess memory, face recognition, and brain connectivity. Participants also completed personality questionnaires to explore traits associated with each condition.

Key Findings

  • Memory and Imagination: Individuals with hyperphantasia excelled in autobiographical memory and imagination tasks compared to those with aphantasia and the control group.
  • Face Recognition: Aphantasic participants reported more difficulties with face recognition and showed higher autistic traits.
  • Personality Traits: Aphantasia was linked to lower extraversion, while hyperphantasia was associated with higher openness to experiences.
  • Brain Connectivity: Hyperphantasic individuals showed stronger connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and visual networks, suggesting a neural basis for their vivid imagery.

Implications

  • Educational and Occupational Impact: Understanding these conditions can help tailor learning and work environments to suit individuals' cognitive styles.
  • Mental Health: Recognizing the link between visual imagery and personality traits can aid in developing personalized mental health interventions.
  • Further Research: This study opens avenues for exploring how visual imagery influences creativity, problem-solving, and emotional processing.

Limitations

  • Sample Size: The study's relatively small sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings.
  • Subjective Measures: Reliance on self-reported data for personality and imagery vividness could introduce bias.
In summary, this study sheds light on the significant yet often overlooked differences in visual imagery experiences among individuals, highlighting the need for further exploration into how these differences affect various aspects of life.