In this episode of SEE HEAR FEEL, Dr. Dennis Proffitt, Commonwealth Professor of Psychology, Emeritus at University of Virginia, shares insights from his expansive research on perception and interoception. Dr. Proffitt discusses how social, emotional, and physical factors influence how people perceive space, including practical examples from his research on the steepness of hills and the impact of physical fitness and companionship. He also delves into the significance of social relationships on perception and explores the emerging field of interoception, explaining how our internal and external perceptions shape our emotions and responses. The episode highlights how both perception and interoception are intertwined with our experiences and actions.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Dennis Proffitt

00:49 Personal Anecdote: NASA and Perception of Hills

02:32 Research Findings: Perception and Physical Fitness

05:04 Social Relationships and Perception

08:40 Understanding Interoception

12:45 Final Thoughts on Perception and Experience