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The aphantasia-hyperphantasia spectrum.
1Centre for Philosophical Psychology, University of Antwerp, D 413, Grote Kauwenberg 18, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium.
Neuropsychologia
|October 8, 2025
Summary
Recent research on imagery vividness often focuses on aphantasia. This study argues for examining the entire aphantasia-hyperphantasia spectrum and its impact on decision-making, emotion regulation, and mental health.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Imagery vividness research has primarily contrasted aphantasia (inability to visualize) with typical imagery.
- Less attention has been given to the broader spectrum of imagery vividness, including hyperphantasia (vivid imagery).
- Individual differences in imagery vividness significantly influence various psychological processes in the general population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To shift focus from a binary aphantasia vs. non-aphantasia comparison.
- To explore the continuous relationship between the aphantasia-hyperphantasia spectrum and other psychological phenomena.
- To investigate how variations in imagery vividness correlate with decision-making, emotion regulation, cravings, and mental health.
Main Methods:
- The study proposes a shift in research methodology.
- Encourages investigation into the continuous aphantasia-hyperphantasia spectrum.
- Suggests correlational analyses between vividness levels and psychological outcomes.
Main Results:
- Existing research predominantly uses a binary classification of aphantasia.
- The impact of vividness differences on non-aphantasics is substantial but understudied.
- A continuous spectrum approach is needed to understand these impacts.
Conclusions:
- The aphantasia-hyperphantasia spectrum offers a more nuanced understanding of imagery.
- Gradual differences in vividness correlate with diverse psychological functions.
- Further research should adopt a spectrum-based approach to uncover these correlations.
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