Julie Ji

Harnessing the human imagination

People differ in their capacity to visualise, from those who can create vivid and detailed images in their mind, to those who cannot see anything at all (also known as “aphantasia”). Often referred to as “seeing” through the “mind’s eye”, “hearing” through the “mind’s ear”, and so on, the capacity to generate mental imagery is thought to help humans survive by remembering the past and anticipating the future. With modern research methods, psychological scientists are beginning to understand the nature and functions of our imagination, although much remains unknown. By the end of this module, you will have gained insight into questions like a) What does the imagination have to do with our feelings, motivations, and behaviours; b) How do distortions in the imagination contribute to mental health conditions; & c) Can we harness the imagination to motivates us to regulate our emotional wellbeing and make healthier choices?

Learning format

This course will be taught in an interactive style using a combination of lectures, individual and group activities.

Key readings

· Pearson, J., Naselaris, T., Holmes, E. A., & Kosslyn, S. M. (2015). Mental imagery: functional mechanisms and clinical applications. Trends in cognitive sciences, 19(10), 590-602. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2015.08.003

· Ji, J. L., Heyes, S. B., MacLeod, C., & Holmes, E. A. (2016). Emotional mental imagery as simulation of reality: Fear and beyond—A tribute to Peter Lang. Behavior Therapy, 47(5), 702-719. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2015.11.004

· Ji, J., Kavanagh, D., Holmes, E., MacLeod, C., & Di Simplicio, M. (2019). Mental imagery in psychiatry: Conceptual & clinical implications. CNS Spectrums, 24(1), 114-126. https://doi:10.1017/S1092852918001487

· Saulsman, L. M., Ji, J. L., & McEvoy, P. M. (2019). The essential role of mental imagery in cognitive behaviour therapy: What is old is new again. Australian Psychologist, 54(4), 237-244. https://doi.org/10.1111/ap.12406