Dream Analysis (Psychodynamic)

Question 1

What did Freud propose about dream analysis?

Answer 1

The unconsious mind expresses itself through dreams - content of dreams can reveal the unconsious

Question 2

What are dreams as wish fulfilment?

Answer 2

Unconscious fulfillment of wishes that could not be satisfied - dreams allow some expression to these buried urges

Question 3

What is the symbollic nature of dreams?

Answer 3

Content of dreams is expressed symbollically. The real meaning of a dream (latent) is transformed into more innocuous form (manifest). Freud believed it was necessary to consider them in the context of a persons life

Question 4

What is dream work?

Answer 4

The latent content of a dream is transformed into manifest content through the process of dream work

Question 5

What is the role of the therapist?

Answer 5

Reverse the dream work process.

Question 6

What is condensation?

Answer 6

Dream thoughts are rich in detail and content but these are condensed to the brief images

Question 7

What is displacement?

Answer 7

The emotional significance of a dream object is separated from its real object and attached to an entirely different one

Question 8

What is representation?

Answer 8

A thought is translated into visual images

Question 9

What is symbolism?

Answer 9

A symbol replaces an action, person or idea

Question 10

What is secondary elaboration?

Answer 10

The unconsious mind collects all the different images and ties them together to form a logical story

Question 11

How does dream analysis relate to the influence of childhood experiences?

Answer 11

Memories buried in the unconscious may be related to current experiences but may also be related to childhood events that are still troubling

Question 12

How does dream analysis relate to the tripartite personality?

Answer 12

The demands of the id that are unacceptable during waking hours are relegated to our dreams

Question 13

What did Solms (2000) find to support Freuds ideas of dream analysis?

Answer 13

Used PET scans to highlight the regions of the brain that are active during dreaming. Centres concerned with memory and motivation are very active

Question 14

What are the methodological issues?

Answer 14

Much of the research is conducted in labs - may not be as authentic when under normal conditions (ecological validity).
Many studies have been conducted on humans who have been deprived sleep

Question 15

What subjective interpretation is there?

Answer 15

Interpreting the manifest content and coming up with its underlying meaning relies on the subjective interpretation of the therapist

Question 16

What is the therapist - client relationship?

Answer 16

Potential power imbalance between therapist and patient. The therapist takes an expert role and the patient is reliant on the therapist. (overdependence)

Question 17

What is false memory syndrome in dream analysis?

Answer 17

False memories can come to light during psychoanalysis when the therapist claims to have uncovered past traumatic events

Question 18

What emotional harm may be due to dream analysis?

Answer 18

A therapist may guide a client toward an insight or interpretation that proves to be emotionally distressing