Phenomenal characteristics of guided imagery, natural imagery, and autobiographical memories

Research indicates that guided imagery experiences can be mistaken for actual experiences under some circumstances. One explanation for such effects is that memory representations of guided imagery and actual events contain similar phenomenal characteristics such as sensory and contextual details, m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Memory & cognition 2002-06, Vol.30 (4), p.519-528
Main Authors: ARBUTHNOTT, Katherine D, GEELEN, Carla B, KEALY, Kinda L. K
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Autobiography as Topic
Biological and medical sciences
Cognition & reasoning
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Human
Humans
Imagery (Psychotherapy)
Learning. Memory
Male
Memory
Middle Aged
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Sensory perception
Surveys and Questionnaires
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Summary:Research indicates that guided imagery experiences can be mistaken for actual experiences under some circumstances. One explanation for such effects is that memory representations of guided imagery and actual events contain similar phenomenal characteristics such as sensory and contextual details, making the source of the events less distinguishable. This study examined this prediction, comparing memory characteristic ratings for guided imagery experiences with those for memories of perceived and natural imagery events (e.g., fantasies). Results replicated previous findings for the difference between perceived and natural imagery memories. Guided imagery ratings were also lower than those for perceived memories for most sensory details (sound, smell, and taste) and temporal details. However, guided imagery ratings for reflective details were lower than both perceived and natural imagery memory ratings. Thus, guided imagery was similar to natural imagery with respect to sensory details, but similar to perceived memories with respect to reflective details.
ISSN:0090-502X
1532-5946
DOI:10.3758/BF03194953