Evaluating Dream Analysis

Question 1

Matt and Navarro(1997)

Answer 1

In a review of 63 meta-analyses on the effect of psychotherapy found that on average, 75% of clients receiving dream analysis showed improvements.

Question 2

Schredl et al. (2000) to be used with Matt and navarro

Answer 2

In a Survey of psychotherapists in private practice that approximately 70% patients reported benefits of working through dreams.

Question 3

Hobson and McCarley (1997)

Answer 3

Dreams are nothing but commands sent from the brain and are simply a form of “thinking that happens while we sleep”.

Question 4

Dreams are false memories

Answer 4

During dream analysis, the therapist may guide the client towards an interpretation of the dream that is emotionally distressing as it may uncover past traumatic events. Although this event could have occurred, it could also be a false memory. Research evidence for false memories comes from Loftus et al.

Question 5

Psychological harm

Answer 5

This is an important ethical issue to consider within dream analysis as it potentially will uncover emotionally distressing memories. The client should understand what is involved in the therapy before committing.