What is the pink elephant paradox and how it affects our actions

Imagine a pink elephant. For many of you, this task will conjure up a vivid image of this unusual animal in your mind. For some people, however, this visualisation is simply not possible. Research shows that our ability to visualise images in our minds is related to how effectively we can control our thoughts.

What is aphantasia?

Afantasia is a condition in which a person is unable to conjure up visual images in their mind. If you ask such people not to think of a pink elephant, they won't imagine it because they simply can't. To them, the idea that others can see images in their mind seems strange.

Aphantasia is usually seen as a disadvantage. People may feel frustrated when they realise that they are unable to visualise their favourite characters from books or the faces of loved ones. However, there are advantages to this condition. Some studies suggest that people with aphantasia are less prone to intrusive visual thoughts.

Vivid images and unwanted thoughts

In a new study, researchers examined the relationship between the intensity of visual imagination and the ability to suppress unwanted thoughts. They found that people with vivid imaginations were more likely to experience involuntary visual images, even when they tried to avoid them. This was confirmed by measurements of brain activity.

While the ability to clearly and vividly visualise different scenes can be enjoyable, it can make it difficult to control thoughts. People with an average level of visualisation are better at suppressing unwanted images.

Is peace of mind aphantasised?

This begs the question: if aphantasics don't visualise, does that mean their minds are more calm? Research has shown that people with poor visualisation ability are less likely to imagine things they don't want to think about. However, they are more likely to report wandering thoughts.

Instead of struggling with unwanted images, aphantasists may switch to other thoughts, such as planning dinner. In this way, their minds are not necessarily more calm, but they are more resistant to certain types of intrusive thoughts.

Daydreaming without images

Afantasists can experience wandering thoughts, but without visual images. One researcher, Derek, has thoughts expressed in the form of imaginary conversations. He did not realise for a long time that this was his form of daydreaming. Another researcher, Lauren, is unable to visualise or imagine sounds. Her thoughts manifest as sensations of texture and movement.

Resistance to traumatic memories

Can aphantasia protect against re-experiencing trauma? It is not yet known for sure. Although evidence suggests that aphantasics are less prone to involuntary visual thoughts, more research is needed to understand how this affects the processing of traumatic events.

The pink elephant paradox illustrates how difficult it is to control one's thoughts. However, scientists have proven that for some people, this task is not difficult. They easily switch to other topics and do not dwell on unwanted images.

Details: Daniel M. Wegner et al, Paradoxical effects of thought suppression, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (2005). DOI: 10.1037/0022-3514.53.1.5