Reconsidering Spatial Properties of Trypophobic Images

Abstract

High-contrast energy at mid-range spatial frequencies has been thought to be the major factor to elicit discomfort in trypophobic images. The previous spectral analyses, however, were based on an image-dependent unit (cycles per image). Therefore, the spatial frequencies perceived by our visual system (cycles per degree) should vary depending on viewing conditions. To clarify the effective factors on trypophobia, we manipulated various spatial properties, such as frequency, size, and viewing distance. The results demonstrated that not the spatial frequency but the size of trypophobic images affected discomfort dominantly, suggesting that the involvement of the spectral analysis might be overestimated.