1185 Predicting Dream Recall and Sharing: The Role of Childhood Experiences, Mental Health, and Dream Phenomena

Childhood nightmares predict more frequent dream recall and dream sharing, but current psychological factors and attitudes toward dreams are stronger predictors. Among 360 undergraduates, childhood nightmares were linked to higher dream recall and more sharing. Current psychological distress predicted lower dream recall, while PTSD symptoms and distress were associated with less dream sharing. Insomnia severity, more dream sharing, perceived caregiver warmth, and fewer sleep-related phenomena were linked to increased dream recall. Negative dream attitudes, fewer sleep-related phenomena, and more déjà vu experiences predicted greater dream sharing. The findings indicate that early sleep experiences, mental health, and dream-related attitudes interact to shape dream recall and sharing patterns.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Dream recall frequency (DRF), or how often individuals remember and report dreams, is influenced by factors such as family dynamics, mental health, and cultural norms. Women tend to report higher DRF and greater distress from nightmares, while individuals with psychiatric conditions often exhibit reduced DRF. This study examined the relative contributions of childhood experiences, mental health, and current dream-related factors in predicting DRF and dream sharing. Methods A sample of 360 undergraduate students (mean age = 19.91; 67.7% female; 54.44% White) completed surveys, including the Perception of Parents Scale, Bedtime Routine Questionnaire, PCL-5, GHQ-12, ISI, and Mannheim Dream Questionnaire. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of DRF and dream sharing. Results Childhood nightmares were significant positive predictors of dream recall frequency (DRF; β = 0.209, p < 0.001) and dream sharing (β = 0.208, p < 0.001). Current psychological distress (GHQ-12; β = -0.146, p = 0.010) predicted lower DRF, while PTSD symptoms (β = -0.157, p = 0.009) and distress (β = -0.182, p < 0.001) were associated with less dream sharing. Insomnia severity (β = 0.096, p = 0.032), more dream sharing (β = 0.458, p < 0.001), higher perceived caregiver warmth (β =.082, p = 0.048) and fewer sleep-related phenomena (β = -0.273, p < 0.001) were linked to increased DRF. When accounting for family and mental health factors (Step 3), negative dream attitudes (β = -0.217, p < 0.001), fewer sleep-related phenomena (β = -0.439, p < 0.001), and more déjà vu experiences (β = 0.089, p = 0.040) were significantly associated with greater dream sharing. Individuals with whom participants reported sharing and receiving dreams will be discussed. Conclusion While childhood nightmares initially predicted greater DRF and dream sharing, sleep-related phenomena, dream sharing, and negative attitudes toward dreams emerged as the strongest predictors. These findings suggest a dynamic, multifaceted process in which early sleep experiences, current psychological factors, and dream-related attitudes interact to shape patterns of DRF and dream sharing over time. Support (if any)