A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder and the Max Planck Institute shows that imagination can change our attitude toward others and activate the same neural pathways as real-life experiences. Researchers found that imagining a positive interaction with someone increases liking toward that person, even if they previously evoked only neutral feelings.
The authors emphasize that imagination is far from passive — it actively shapes expectations, motivation, and decision-making. This is supported by long-standing neurological observations: the same brain regions are activated during memory recall and while imagining the future. The ability to imagine develops together with memory in early childhood and declines with age or injury.
To test whether the brain can truly "learn" from imagination, scientists recruited 50 participants. Inside an fMRI scanner, the volunteers were shown neutral names and asked to imagine positive or negative scenarios involving these individuals. After the visualizations, participants’ attitudes shifted noticeably, with positive scenarios leading to higher levels of liking.
The effect is explained by the mechanism known as reward prediction error — the brain’s response to unexpectedly pleasant experiences. Such moments trigger dopamine release, reinforcing new preferences. In the study, even entirely imagined scenarios activated the same reward circuitry. fMRI scans revealed stronger activity in the ventral striatum, responsible for processing rewards, and the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, where social memories are stored.
The findings have practical implications for therapy, learning, and interpersonal communication. Mental rehearsal can help reduce fear, improve workplace relationships, and strengthen skills such as musical performance. However, researchers warn that imagination can backfire: individuals with anxiety or depression often picture negative scenarios, amplifying their distress.
Ultimately, the study concludes that imagination is a powerful tool capable of shaping emotions, preferences, and behavior almost as strongly as real events. Simply envisioning a positive experience can become the first step toward meaningful change.