A theoretical model of the synesthesia scale
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-2964Keywords:
synesthesia, psychometry, perception, cognition, Likert scale, neuroscience, phenomenology, adolescenceAbstract
Introduction: Synesthesia is a perceptual phenomenon characterized by the automátic activation of additional sensory experiences in response to specific stimuli. Neuroscientific evidence shows that these associations are stable, consistent, and idiosyncratic over time, and have recently been interpreted as expressing neurodiversity with cognitive and educational implications. Objectives: The study aims to develop a multidimensional psychometric instrument to measure synesthesia, overcoming the limitations of traditional approaches. Methodology: An exploratory mixed-methods design was adopted to preliminarily construct and test an articulated scale consisting of 30 items divided into six phenomenological and cognitive domains: automaticity, perceptual vivacity, temporal coherence, specificity, spatial localization and phenomenological awareness. Results: The scale showed a good ability to distinguish between synesthetic, non-synesthetic and intermediate profiles, highlighting stability of responses over time. Discussion: The results support a continuous and multidimensional view of synesthesia, confirming the central role of automaticity and coherence, but also of less explored phenomenological dimensions. Conclusions: The developed scale represents a promising tool for future research, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of synesthesia and individual differences in perceptual-cognitive processes.
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