A narrative review of visual aphantasia and an interpretative phenomenological analysis of the lived experience of people with acquired aphantasia

Clinical implications were considered, particularly in relation to assessment, formulation, and the adaptation of imagery-based therapeutic interventions.<br><br>An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis explored the lived experience of acquired aphantasia through interviews with ten adults who had lost visual mental imagery. Four group experiential themes were identified: Realised losses, Striving for understanding, Living Without a Remembered Visual Past, and What now?.

These themes reflected experiences of cognitive and identity-related change, attempts to make sense of the loss, and processes of adaptation and adjustment.<br><br>These studies advance conceptual, empirical, and clinical understanding of aphantasia and highlight the importance of recognising individual differences in imagery when considering psychological theory, assessment, and therapeutic practice.<br><br><br><i>Thesis embargoed until 31st July 2031</i>