Perceptual errors that lead to the emergence of illusions are due to our cognitive processes incorrectly interpreting objectively existing objects or phenomena, especially under conditions of heightened emotional tension.

The Impact of Emotional Tension on Perceptual Illusions

Perceptual errors that lead to the emergence of illusions are due to our cognitive processes incorrectly interpreting objectively existing objects or phenomena, especially under conditions of heightened emotional tension. When experiencing a strong feeling of fear or anxiety, the brain can distort the signals received from the sensory organs. This causes ordinary environmental details to be perceived as something different, frightening, or unfamiliar. For example, an ordinary mop, under certain emotional states, may be mistakenly interpreted as an unfamiliar animal, which illustrates how emotional tension can affect cognitive information processing and trigger illusions.

Supporting citation(s):
"Perceptual disorders: illusions – the incorrect perception of objectively existing objects or phenomena; most often occurring in the context of emotional tension or fear (for example: a mop might appear as an unfamiliar animal, etc.)." (source: link txt)