Dreamers as agents making strategizing efforts exemplify core aggregate of executive function in non-lucid dreaming
heiDOK (Heidelberg University) 2012 DOI: 10.11588/ijodr.2012.1.9159 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study using grounded theory Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Archived cross-cultural dreams |
| Topics | Dreaming Lucid dreaming |
| Keywords | Volition linguistics Cognition Function biology Cognitive psychology Autonomy Scope computer science Grounded theory Agency philosophy Cognitive science Epistemology Qualitative research |
| Citations | 12 |
| Key findings | Eight types of executive thought processes and four purposes for strategizing efforts occur during non-lucid dreaming. |
Abstract
The study of higher-order cognition in dreaming was guided by the question “What are the scope and purpose of thinking/strategizing efforts as one of three previously identified direct mental problem-solving modalities (Kozmová, 2008; 2012) that some dreamers are capable of using to resolve the novelties of felt-need situations encountered during non-lucid dreaming?” The research utilized previously articulated thought processes of a multilayered nocturnal problem-solving phenomenon that emerged from analysis of archived cross-cultural dreams (Kozmová, 2008). The results, in the form of taxonomy of delimited higher-order thought executive processes analyzed by the method of grounded theory, describe core aggregate of executive function that consists of eight types of executive thought processes: (a) analytical, (b) decision-making, (c) defense mechanisms, (d) evaluative, (e) goal-oriented/goal-directed, (f) interpretative, (g) motivational, and (h) self-determinative. The subsequent substantive grounded theory proposes four purposes for dreamers’ demonstration of strategizing efforts within the scope of higher-order cognitive skills: (a) information gathering; (b) judgment; (c) protection and maximizing chances for success; and (d) exercising volition, agency, and autonomy. The future application of core aggregate of executive function in non-lucid dreaming includes research of neural correlates that could support this function during sleep.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on lucid dreaming, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Level Control in Lucid Dreams Adults who experience at least one lucid dream per year | 2020 | Qualitative study | n = 107 |
| Lucid music – A pilot study exploring the experiences and potential of music-making in lucid dreams. Musicians who reported lucid dreams involving playing instruments and singing | 2018 | Qualitative study | n = 5 |
| Exploring the range of reported dream lucidity Participants who implemented mnemonic training lucid dream induction methods at home | 2021 | Observational study with qualitative component | |
| Methods of Exploring Transpersonal Lucid Dreams: Ineffability and Creative Consciousness | 2020 | Mixed methods (quantitative, phenomenological, art-based inquiry) | |
| It's like a dance between the dreamer and the dream : supernatural agency in lucid dreaming Rêveurs lucides | 2026 | Thèse de doctorat (recherche mixte quantitative et qualitative) |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Dreaming is a conscious experience in its own right: proponents of non-cognitive and non-executive theories of dreaming suffer from a retrospective illusion of their waking extended self. Consciousness and Cognition May 30, 2025
- Examining the triggers of lucid insight. June 30, 2020
- Phenomenological features of dreams: Results from dream log studies using the Subjective Experiences Rating Scale (SERS). Consciousness and Cognition April 1, 2016