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

Full Abstract

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.

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Author information

Author/s: Arbuthnott, Katherine D (KD); Geelen, Carla B (CB); Kealy, Kinda L K (KL);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. katherine.arbuthnott(-atsign-)uregina.ca

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Memory & cognition (Mem Cognit), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Jun; vol 30 (issue 4) : pp 519-28

Dates: Created 2002/08/19; Completed 2002/09/11; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 12184553, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent
Adult
Autobiography
Female
Humans

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