Imagery: Definition and Types

Author(s): Sheikh, Anees A.

Journal/Book: Imagery: Current Theory, Research and Application. 1983; New York. Plenum Press. 3-42.

Abstract: Richardson offered an early, pragmatic ÒworkingÓ definition of Imagery in 1969: It was intended to cover all types of phenominally experienced imagery. In 1981 he retains three of the original four characteristics: ÓMental imagery refers to (1) all those quasi-sensory or quasi-perceptual experiences of which (2) we are self-consciously aware and which (3) exist for us in the absence of those stimulus conditions that are known to produce their genuine sensory or perceptual counterparts...Ó (Richardson 1969, quoted from Richardson 1981, p.15). Thus in his 1981 essay he offers a condensed definition of imagery as Òa phenominally present quasi-perceptual event or an event of this kind that is capable of becoming phenominally present.Ó (p.14) Richardson also offers an - explicitly arbitrary - classification of mental imagery. he distinguishes four classes or types: 1. after imagery; 2. eidetic imagery; 3. thought imagery; and 4. imagination imagery. Each of the types are identified and related to research and therapeutic application. It is also documented that autonomic responses can be controlled using mental imagery (p.30f), that vividness of imagery is an essential attribute, and that ÔweakÕ imagersÕ can be trained to have more vivid imagery. Another important factor in imagery identified by Richardson is the stated condition of relaxation. Ò..the psychological importance of [relaxation] is that attention is withdrawn from the external world and the quantity and quality of sensory input is reducedÓ (p.34) - thus opening a potential space for therapeutically relevant Òimagination imageryÓ or Òthought imageryÓ.

Zurück | Weiter