0157 Lucid Dreaming: A Potential Outlet for an External Locus of Control
Sleep May 19, 2025 Otis Eads, John Richmond Sy, Ruth Brombach et al.
People who believe that external forces control their lives (external locus of control) report having lucid dreams more often, but only if they already identify as lucid dreamers. Among 348 young adults surveyed, those who identified as lucid dreamers experienced lucid dreams about once a month, whereas non-lucid dreamers had them less than once a year. The relationship between external locus of control and lucid dreaming frequency was significant only for self-identified lucid dreamers. The authors suggest that individuals who feel a lack of control during the day may use lucid dreaming to regain a sense of agency.