Harnessing Imagination to Change Tactile Perception

A new study has found that beliefs, when strongly held, can alter physical perceptions. Participants were hypnotized and convinced to believe their index finger was either five times smaller or five times larger than its actual size. When participants believed their finger was larger, they could feel two close-together needle pricks as separate points, something they couldn’t do before. Conversely, when they believed their finger was smaller, their ability to distinguish between the two points got worse. The findings show how our minds can impact our physical sensations, suggesting that our beliefs can reshape our perception of reality.