Aphantasie et hypnose : une étude exploratoire

Abstract

IntroductionAphantasia is a recent concept describing an individual's incapacity to use their mind's eye and therefore to visualize mental images. Although this “blind imagination” was studied in order to understand the neuronal mechanisms and the possible consequences of this condition, the implications of aphantasia in the clinical field remain unknown. MethodThis exploratory research involves two related participants, both aphantasics, selected due to their extreme scores at the VVIQ. The participants took three mental imagery trials, a projective test, and the GeoCat psychometric questionnaire. In a third and final phase, they took part in a blind hypnosis with suggestions using visual, kinesthetic, or open metaphors. The interviews and the tests were accompanied by micro-phenomenological interviews to investigate the implicit knowledge and processes. ResultsThe data obtained during these research interviews show that the participants are able to realize tasks involving visual imagery using singular processes. Particularly, they mobilize spatial and semantic skills. During the hypnosis session, one of the participants caught herself feeling overwhelmed by screens of color. Clinical similarities appear within the personality structure and life story of the two participants. DiscussionWe propose that aphantasia, more than a lack of mental imagery, could be a particular cognitive style, in which mental imagery tasks could be realized using other processes. We question the etiology of aphantasia and analyze the entanglement between this cognitive style and the structure of the personality, particularly its potential link with ordinary psychosis. ConclusionThe use of hypnosis enables us to explore this cognitive style, while also giving us a sense of its potential clinical, therapeutic, and quotidian implications.