Pilot demonstration of a dreamer-centered dream series methodology for enriched phenomenological data and improved testing of the Continuity and Embodied Cognition Theories of Dreaming

Abstract

This article demonstrates a new dreamer-centered dream series methodology that can enhance the quality and phenomenological richness of the data used in dream research. In particular, this pilot study offers a more direct method of testing both the Continuity and Embodied Cognition Theories of Dreaming (ECTD) by (1) systematically identifying waking-life referents and their recency in relation to specific dream contents; (2) empowering individualized subjective interpretation and ratings of the personal meaning, bizarreness and emotionality of their own dreams; (3) expanding analysis from singular “whole dreams” to encompass a comprehensive series of multiple dreams; (4) enabling more detailed analysis of segments within whole dreams; and (5) collecting naïve self-interpretive impressions that can facilitate identification of metaphors and schemas across the dream/waking continuum. In support of the “continuity” required for both theories, this single-case series analysis of 22 dreams (subdivided into 74 dream segments) found 30% of dream content could be connected to waking life referents occurring in the preceding day, 50% within a week and 70% within 2 weeks. Most importantly, the proposed methodology yields the type of direct experiential data that can go beyond the mere question of “what” we dream about to seeing “how” dream consciousness incorporates waking life experiences in generating meaningful perceptions and alternative perspectives that can have practical and creative utility for living.