Therapy - Dream Analysis

Question 1

Dreamwork Processes

Answer 1

-Condensation
-Displacement
-Representation
-Symbolism
-Secondary elaboration

Question 2

Condensation

Answer 2

Thoughts condensed into brief images that stands for associations and ideas.

Question 3

Displacement

Answer 3

Concept of a ‘censor’ that prevents disturbing thoughts

Question 4

Representation

Answer 4

A thought translated into visual images

Question 5

Symbolism

Answer 5

Symbol replaces action,person, idea

Question 6

Secondary elaboration

Answer 6

Unconscious mind collects the different images, ties then together to form a logical story - disguising the latent content

Question 7

Psychodynamic assumptions (unconscious mind) applies to dream analysis

Answer 7

-make the ‘unconscious conscious’ , gain insight so it can be cured
-establishing whether repression is causing illness

Question 8

Psychodynamic assumption (influence of childhood experiences) applied to dream analysis

Answer 8

-Traumatic memories buried in the unconscious may surface during dreams.

Question 9

Psychodynamic assumption (tripartate personality) applied to dream analysis

Answer 9

• ego would usually block out the unacceptable desires of the id, ego defences would be in operation.
  -During dreaming, ego defences are low

Question 10

Dreamwork

Answer 10

Latent content is transformed into manifest content

Question 11

Main components of dream analysis

Answer 11

-Mind expresses itself through dreams
-unconscious fulfilment of wishes that can’t be satisfied in the conscious mind (expressed symbollcally)

Question 12

Role of therapist

Answer 12

-Reverse the dreamwork process
-decode manifest content into latent content
-suggest various interpretations based on patient’s feedback and life experiences

Question 13

Evaluation - Research evidence (strengths)

Answer 13

-Solms used PET scans to highlight parts of the brain that are active during dreaming.
-Rational part of the brain (ego) , inactive during sleep
-Memory and motivational parts, very active (supports that unconscious driven parts,id, expresses itself.

Question 14

Evaluation - Research evidence (weakness)

Answer 14

-Ecological validity can be questioned:
>conducted in sleep labs
>patient wired up with electrodes
-not the same as under normal conditions

Question 15

Evalutation - methodological issues (strength)

Answer 15

-Hopfield research on neural networks
-used computer simulations to mimic action of the brain
-discovered neural networks deal with an overloaded memory by condensing memories. (supports condensation,displacement,censor,symbolism theory)

Question 16

Evaluation - methodological issues (weakness)

Answer 16

-manifest content decoded by therapist, can be interpretated differently.

Question 17

Subjective Interpretation

Answer 17

> Based on personal opinions rather than facts.
Interpreting the manifest content, relies on the subjective interpretation of the therapist.
may not be reliable
highly subjective
going against the objective scientific aims of psychology

Question 18

Evaluation - Ethical Issues

Answer 18

> Therapist-client relationship
False memory syndrome (FMS)
Emotional Harm

Question 19

Evaluation - Ethical Issues : Therapist-client relationship

Answer 19

> Therapist takes expert role - patient is reliant on them —> can create power imbalance + over-dependence on the therapist
depression - have a tendency to over-rely on important people

Question 20

Evaluation - ethical issues :
False memory syndrome

Answer 20

> Person’s identity and relationship are affected by false memories of traumatic experiences.
Therapist induce false memories —> treatment lasts longer = more financial gain
Can experience anxiety

Question 21

Evaluation - Ethical Issues:
Emotional Harm

Answer 21

Therapist may guide a client towards an insight or interpretation that can be emotionally distressing.