A re-analysis of classic cases of psychoanalytic dream interpretation with Structural Dream Analysis

Abstract

Famous case presentations with their dream series from the history of psychoanalysis are presented (C.L./Mitscherlich, Mrs. C./Wilma Bucci, Franziska X and Amalie X from the Ulm Textbank/Kächele, Mr. X and Wolfgang Pauli/C.G. Jung) and reanalyzed using the scientific method of Structural Dream Analysis (SDA). In accordance with “thinking in cases”, the case presentations were originally presented in order to substantiate certain psychoanalytic theories and, in particular, specific approaches to working with dreams in therapy. Although the dream series originate from very different analytic treatment contexts and historical periods, they prove to be very similar overall in structural analysis, which in part also contradicts the descriptions of the original authors. The results of the statistical evaluation with SDA are consistent with the reliable information on the course and success of the therapies. In this respect, the methodology and the theoretical model of SDA are supported.