Cognitive Antecedents of Dream Recall

The relationship between dream recall and cognitive and imaginal factors was examined in 222 students. Those who recalled more dreams also reported richer imaginal lives and scored higher on a test of short-term memory. Orientation toward imaginal life was particularly strong among high dream recallers. Defensiveness did not appear to explain differences in dream recall. The findings suggest that dream recall may be improved by strengthening short-term memory and by engaging in activities that foster imagination, such as introspection, daydreaming, and meditation.

Study at a glance

Abstract

222 students completed the Cognitive Processes Survey which assessed imaginal life, orientation toward imaginal life, and defensiveness. Subjects were separated according to number of weekly dreams recalled and tested for short-term memory with the Digit Span of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Analyses of variance showed that imaginal life differed significantly across low, average, and high dream recallers. Orientation toward imaginal life was significant for high dream recallers but not for low recallers. A t test for correlated Digit Span raw scores indicated significant differences between low and high dream recallers. Differences in dream recall seemed better explained by cognitive variables such as short-term memory than attitudinal factors such as defensiveness. Dream recall might be enhanced by increasing the channel capacity of short-term memory and increasing imaginal life through activities such as introspection, daydreaming, and meditation.