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This Collection focuses on the malleability and fluidity of human time perception. Specifically, why the perceived temporal order of events, as well as their duration, can be easily affected and distorted by various factors, including emotional states, feelings of control, or perceived causality.
This Collection presents research providing insight into this malleability, as well as that which explores individual differences in time perception, in both the neurotypical population, as well as individuals with psychiatric disorders, in which imprecise or atypical patterns of temporal processing might be a feature of the disorder or an underlying reason for other symptoms.
Time perception is inherently subjective and malleable. We experience a wide range of time scales, from less than a second to decades. In addition, our perception of time can be affected by our attentional and emotional states. Previous psychological and neuroimaging studies have used several paradigms and methods to probe factors that influence time perception. Considering these factors facilitates approaches to improve time management and to enhance sensory experiences. This Collection of time perception studies includes reports that focus on stimulus property, physiological state, cross-modal interaction, attention, learning, age, and environment. These findings help to illuminate the complex mechanisms of time perception.