Sharing dreams: Frequency, motivations, and relationship intimacy.
Michael Rohde Olsen, Michael Schredl, Ingegerd Carlsson
Dreaming September 9, 2013 DOI: 10.1037/a0033392 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 667 |
| Population | Adults |
| Keywords | Psychoanalysis Cognitive psychology |
| Citations | 19 |
| Key findings | Dream sharing frequency in couples correlated positively with perceived relationship intimacy. Women recalled and shared more dreams than men, and nonsingles shared dreams more often than singles. Dreams were shared primarily with partners (if in a relationship) or friends (if single), mainly for entertainment, and men more than women believed sharing dreams can improve relationship intimacy. |
Abstract
The study investigated aspects of dream sharing and dream recall in an adult sample (N = 667). It explored with whom dreams are shared and why, as well as the relation between relationship intimacy and dream sharing frequency with the partner. A significant, positive correlation was found between dream sharing frequency in couples and perceived relationship intimacy. Further, the findings supported previous research in that women recalled and shared more dreams than men. It was also found, that dreams primarily were shared with a partner (if in a relationship), and with friends (if single), and that nonsingles shared dreams more often than singles. Dreams were shared primarily with the purpose of entertainment. Interestingly, men more than women believed that sharing dreams can lead to improved relationship intimacy.