College Students’ Beliefs about Dreams

                                                                          By Brad Bell

 Many people may interpret their dreams.  There are a number of beliefs or theories concerning the meaning of dreams.   Robbins and Tanck (1991) conducted research concerning college students’ beliefs or theories about dreams.  In their follow-up study involving 86 undergraduate students, the students were provided with eight statements reflecting beliefs about dreams.  The view of dreams that had the highest endorsement (91%) was the idea that dreams are linked to one’s anxieties and fears.  The view of dreams that had the second highest endorsement (88%) was the idea that dreams are related to events of the recent past or events of the previous day.  The view of dreams with the third highest endorsement (82%) was the theory that dreams reflect ideas that are brought forth from the unconscious.  These findings suggest that a large percentage of college students have some similar views concerning the nature or meaning of dreams.

 References

Robbins, P.R., & Tanck, R. H. (1991).  Theories of dreams held by American college students.  The Journal of Social Psychology, 131, 143-145