Continuity of reflective awareness across waking and dreaming states.

This study explored (a) the continuity between waking mindfulness and dream mindfulness and (b) the effects of dream mindfulness on subsequent waking thoughts and feelings. Results supported a modified version of the hypothesized cross-state continuity. Presleep mindfulness predicted a specific form of dream reflective awareness (the combination of intradream self-reflection and dual perspectives)—but only in mundane dreams. Also, dream mindfulness (the combination of intradream self-reflection, dual perspectives, and lucid mindfulness) predicted postdream increases in self-reflection—especially after transcendent dreams. Finally, transcendent dreams, which contained intradream self-reflection, were followed by reported spiritual transformation, whereas existential dreams, which also contained intradream self-reflection, were followed by reported self-perceptual depth. In sum, for ordinary dreams, presleep mindfulness is continuous with a modified form of dream reflective awareness; for transcendent dreams, intradream self-reflection may precipitate subsequent spiritual transformation; and, for existential dreams, intradream self-reflection may precipitate subsequent self-perceptual depth. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)

Source: Dreaming - April 20, 2015 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Lee, Ming-Ni; Kuiken, Don Source Type: research