Targeted dream incubation and dream self-efficacy

Abstract

Abstract This preliminary study investigates the potential for a technique that enables purposeful guiding of dream content (Targeted Dream Incubation; TDI) to change the degree to which an individual feels in control of their dreams (Dream Self-Efficacy; DSE). DSE is a subset of a larger concept of self-efficacy relating to one’s belief in their own abilities and competencies. Examining DSE may be quite important, as past research has demonstrated that DSE may be linked to positive treatment outcomes in specific therapies, such as interventions for trauma-related nightmares. Furthermore, prior research has found that decreasing feelings of helplessness related to sleep has been shown to improve insomnia symptoms and daytime fatigue. Thus, our study sought to examine the relationship between TDI and DSE. We enrolled N = 25 participants in a TDI protocol conducted during a predominantly N1 sleep nap, where participants completed surveys before and after a TDI paradigm. Our results revealed that TDI was linked to DSE, with individuals reporting significantly higher levels of DSE after the TDI protocol. These results provide preliminary evidence for a technique (TDI) that could increase DSE with the overall aim of improving the efficacy of specific sleep-related interventions, such as treatments for trauma-related nightmares. Future research should aim to further confirm these results with a control condition and examine the effects of TDI within the context of behavioral sleep interventions.