Sweet Dreams: Unravelling the Mysteries of our Subconsciousness

Researcher: Euan Doig Designer: Rossie Li

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Have you ever dreamt of falling? What about being naked in public? Or even snakes? Probability states clearly you have. The aforementioned dreams, along with many others, have been found to contain certain meanings. Whether frightening us awake or providing joy, dreams showcase our fears and desires; brief yet vivid windows into our subconscious minds. 

Dreams have long puzzled individuals as well as science, with many seeking to unravel the meanings behind common themes. Several studies have been conducted on this matter – with the standard contradicting results. There are, however, few areas of agreement — they are as follows:

• Taking a test: nervousness or a mirror into your current predicaments

• Ground falling-out-from-under-you: overwhelmedness or a lack of control

• Being naked in public: sham and embarrassment or vulnerability and exposure

• Getting chased: the ‘chaser’ is often a manifestation of a current worry

• Food, power, a loved on (et cetera): a supplement for a lack in real-life

Although relatively basic, these interpretations provide us with insight into the subconscious thoughts and emotions that manifest during sleep.

There are several theories as to why similar dreams manifest for all humanity, the most notable being Swiss analytical psychologist Carl Jung’s Archetype Theory. It postulates that humans have a sort of ‘shared unconscious’, each mind equipped with several basic ideas and patterns of thought – or instincts — universal to the species. These manifest as Archetypes and are believed to form the basis of characters and stories across cultures as well as dreams. Some examples of these archetypes include the persona, the self and the shadow. Through balancing these, he states, one may quicker achieve balance and succeed.

As aforementioned, therapists and scientists alike wish to uncover the meanings behind dreams and so, several methods have been devised including dream journaling, therapy sessions and neuroimaging. Dream journaling involves recording what happened in the dreams in the morning after they occur, thi allows researchers to find patterns and correlations between circumstance and dreams. Therapy is similar, involving instead therapists providing focused aims before sleep and quantifying the results. Neuroimaging consists of measuring brain activity during sleep: looking not directly at the content of the dreams but rather which areas of the brain were active during their conception.

Despite its intriguing nature, steam psychology faces great skepticism from critics. They argue that dream interpretation lacks factual grounds and varies widely depending on the interpreter. The subjective nature of dream analysis and the potential for biased interpretations can often raise questions about the validity of dream meanings. Additionally, some researchers challenge the idea that dreams contain symbols or meanings at all.

In conclusion, dream psychology is a fascinating exploration of the subconscious mind. Whilst dream meaning may provide valuable insights into our fears, desires and emotions, the field does not lack controversies and challenges. Understanding the processes of dream interpretation and acknowledging the varied perspectives within dream psychology can enrich our understanding of the relationship between dreams and the human psyche. Dream analysis continues to captivate and intrigue, offering a glimpse into the mysterious realm of the unconscious mind and its implications for our waking lives.