Unlocking the connection: Typical dreams and mental health among Generation-Z

Abstract

Dreams reflect the entire mental state, including our unconscious and the self- conscious state of mind. Whereas, typical dreams are “the number of dreams which almost everyone has dreamed in the same manner like, falling, enjoying delicious food, sexual experiences, etc. This study explored the relationship between typical dream themes and mental health symptoms among individuals from Generation-Z (born between 1997-2012). The objective was to determine the significant correlation between typical dream themes and various symptoms of mental health. The research was conducted using Purposive Sampling, to collect data from 120 participants (60 males and 60 females) of Generation-Z. Data was collected using two standardized questionnaires - the Typical Dreams Questionnaire (56TDQ) to assess common dream themes and the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) was used to examine the mental health symptoms across different dimensions of the typical dream themes. Ex post facto research design was used for conducting this research. For the Statistical analysis, Correlational analysis and Binary regression analysis were performed, which revealed varying degrees of positive and negative correlations between specific dream themes from the 56TDQ and various symptoms of mental health, measured by the SCL-90. The strength of these correlations ranged from weak to strong, which indicates moderate to strong correlation among, typical dream themes and Mental Health symptoms. The findings suggested that all the dream themes were either positively or negatively correlated with the mental health symptoms and this connection highlights the potential value of analysing typical dreams as a window into psychological well-being for this generation.