The Lived Experience of Synesthesia: Portraits of People Making a Multi-Sensory Difference

Abstract

This research brings the nuanced terrain of multisensory human experience to the center of synesthesia studies. While existing literature predominantly focuses on trait-based and neurocentric approaches, much of the wholeness and humanness of synesthetic experience remains under-represented, particularly how synesthetic phenomena overflow beyond configured categories and integrate into meaningful life paths. Balancing art and science through portraiture methodology, this study brings phenomenologically sensitive, relational, and context-inclusive inquiry to the lived experiences of six influential synesthetic participants. Each portrait explores known synesthetic traits, ways phenomena transcend categorical boundaries, immersive multisensory perspectives, developmental journeys, and integration of perceptual information into unique individuation paths. Through these meaningful, life-based windows into uniquely personal arrays of synesthetic existence, the research revealed two dimensions of insight: the nature of synesthetic being—including otherwise invisible, preconceptual aspects of experience—and the diverse ways mature synesthetes integrate perceptions into meaningful life engagement. By documenting how accomplished synesthetes perceive and interact with the world, this study advances understanding of synesthesia as an integrated aspect of human consciousness. Beyond offering a counterbalance to extensively neurocentric literature, these findings provide unique perspectives on perception, cognition, and their role in shaping meaningful human experience, with implications for understanding both synesthetic and general human perception.