Both sides now

Visual Perspective Switching in Episodic Future Thought and Its Relationship to Dissociation

Bibliographic Data

ID7919972
AuthorsIsaac Kinley (0000-0003-2057-9606, McMaster University, corresponding author), Suzanna Becker (0000-0002-2645-070X, McMaster University)
Year2025
Volume33
Issue8
Pages923-935
Publication date2025-09-14
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueMemory (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0965-8211 • E-ISSN: 1464-0686
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09658211.2025.2537802
PMID40736511
OpenAlexW4412750112
LanguageEN
References cited67

Visual perspective in episodic memory and future thinking is conventionally treated as a one-dimensional construct, with first- and third-person perspectives at two poles of a continuum. However, given the opportunity, individuals often ascribe both of these perspectives to their imagery of a single event. In the present study, we found that "dual-perspective" imagery (involving switching between first- and third-person perspectives) is slightly more common than third-person imagery and is associated with higher self-reported ratings of centrality (importance in an individual's life story) and emotional intensity than other perspective categories. Moreover, dual-perspective imagery was correlated with dissociative experiences but unrelated to self-reported memory and prospection abilities. We suggest, based on other known correlates of dissociation (such as daydreaming and absorption), that switching between first- and third-person perspectives may be indicative of elaborative processing of and deeper engagement with imagined future events

Cognition · Cognitive psychology · Cognitive science · Episodic memory · Chemistry · Mental Health and Psychiatry · Neuroscience · Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs · Psychology · Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments · Artificial Intelligence

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