There’s a Reason Some People Can Visualize Better Than Others, Study Reveals

Verywell / Nez Riaz

Key Takeaways

Close your eyes and think of an apple.

Imagine its round shape, the red color, the smooth shiny skin.

Can you see it?

Or does that pop in of visualization feel impossible?

Zeman termed this inability aphantasia in 2015.

He also refers to people who have highly developed visual imagery skills as hyperphantasics.

In addition to the imaging data, the researchers also evaluated detailed cognitive andpersonality tests.

Additionally, aphantasics were not able to recognize faces as well as hyperphantasics.

According to personality tests the participants took, aphantasics tended to be moreintrovertedwhile hyperphantasics were more open.

Deborah Serani, PsyD, psychologist and professor at Adelphi University, agrees.

Serani says Zemans research helps point out the importance of visual imagery.

She points out that people who have keen visualization participate well inpsychotherapy.

They tend to do better with the expression of their thoughts and feelings too, says Serani.

Serani agrees, noting that certain people with hyperphantasia may be overwhelmed with thoughts, emotions, and urges.

Zeman says aphantasics can have an imagination, too.

Visualization skills vary from person to person, adds Serani.

There are ways anyone can enhance their ability to visualize.

2021;2(2).