The Relationship Between Auditory Imagery Vividness and Schizotypy: Dissecting the Role of Inner Speech and the Mind’s Ear

This study investigated the association between auditory imagery clarity and self-reported schizotypy across positive, negative, and disorganized domains using the Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale – Brief (MSS-B). The Auckland Auditory Imagery Scale (AAIS) assessed two dimensions of auditory imagery: the mind’s ear and inner voice. Individuals who reported experiencing anauralia (absence of a mind’s ear) showed lower positive schizotypy scores but higher negative schizotypy scores. Low inner voice and mind’s ear vividness was linked to lower positive traits of schizotypy, while higher mind’s ear vividness only correlated with higher positive schizotypy traits. These findings suggest a specific profile of schizotypal traits and related psychopathology that is linked to experience of auditory imagery. The results may have clinical implications, aiding development of more personalized approaches for both diagnostics and treatment and shedding light on the role of auditory imagery in the development of schizophrenia.