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Published on: October 2, 2019
Dream recall and nightmare frequency: a family study
Michael Schredl1, Claudia Barthold, Josepha Zimmer
1Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany. Scredl@zi-mannheim.de
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|August 19, 2006
Summary
This study found mothers and children share similar nightmare frequencies, suggesting socialization influences dream recall. Dream recall frequency showed no significant family correlation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Family Studies
- Sleep Science
Background:
- Dream recall and nightmare frequency are influenced by familial factors.
- Previous research suggests socialization plays a role in dream experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation of dream recall and nightmare frequency within families.
- To examine the potential socialization effect on children's dream experiences.
Main Methods:
- The study analyzed dream recall frequency and nightmare frequency in family members.
- Statistical correlations were calculated between children and their mothers, and children and their fathers.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was observed for nightmare frequencies between children and mothers.
- No significant correlation was found for nightmare frequency between children and fathers.
- The correlation for dream recall frequency was small and nonsignificant across all family dyads.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the hypothesis that socialization, particularly by mothers as primary caregivers, influences nightmare frequency.
- A potential, though smaller, socialization effect may also impact dream recall frequency.
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