Dream Characters’ Types of Involvement and Range of Relational Capacities in Non-Lucid Problem-Solving Dreams (Part 2)

Abstract

Dream characters continue their enduring presence in dreams in general as the prevalent feature of dreaming consciousness. The present work focuses on non-lucid problem-solving dreams, and dream characters’ types of involvement and range of their relational capacities. The analysis of 979 cross-cultural problem-solving dreams using the method of grounded theory yielded 56 exemplary dreams. From the perspective of cross-state consciousness, the tentative explanatory frameworks include attained waking-life relational schemas, habitual or emerging patterns of organizing inner experiences in distress, and potential reliance on adaptive involuntary homeostatic mechanisms. The discussion of results centers on dream characters’ positive and negative involvements in dreamers’ portrayals of family constellations, and dreamers’ reactions and responses to dream characters’ experiencing problems separately from the dreamer and together with the dreamer. In terms of relational capacities, dream characters display beneficence toward the dreamer in the form of kindness, helpful intentions, and behaviors, or they instigate problems for the dreamers and display injurious and harmful attitudes, intentions, or behaviors. Limitations of the study include a study sample from highly motivated dreamers. Further research might focus on similarities or differences in dream characters’ involvement in problematic situations dreamers experience during lucid dreaming.