Exploring the dimensionality of the LUSK scale
Felix Sammer, Susanne Haug
International Journal of Dream Research April 23, 2026 DOI: 10.11588/ijodr.2026.2.115791 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Exploratory factor analysis of an existing dataset Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 300 |
| Population | Members of lucid dreaming communities |
| Measures | Lucid Dreaming Skills (LUSK) scale |
| Key points | Exploratory factor analysis provided preliminary evidence that the Lucid Dreaming Skills scale has a two-factor structure reflecting control and awareness rather than a single unidimensional score. The control subscore was associated with lucid dreaming frequency (β = .36, 95% CI [.24, .48]) and lucid dreaming knowledge (β = .22, 95% CI [.10, .34]); the awareness subscore was associated with lucid dreaming frequency (β = .18, 95% CI [.06, .31]) and meta-awareness (β = .21, 95% CI [.09, .34]). |
Abstract
The application of LDs for various purposes is currently constrained by the often limited degree of awareness and control that lucid dreamers experience within them. One instrument assessing inter-individual differences in dream awareness and control is the Lucid Dreaming Skills (LUSK) scale. Currently, the scale treats these two aspects as unidimensional, with a single score representing lucid dreaming skills as a whole. Previous research, however, can be seen as suggesting a two-factor structure. To investigate this, we used exploratory factor analysis (n = 300) on an existing dataset collected from lucid dreaming communities, containing a lightly modified 11-item version of the scale. Results provided preliminary evidence for a two-factor structure, which can be interpreted as reflecting control and awareness. Additionally, we explored the relationship of the resulting subscores with a set of 16 potential predictor variables (n = 267). After correcting for multiple comparisons, a significant relationship of the control subscore was identified with lucid dreaming frequency (β = .36, 95% CI [.24, .48]), and lucid dreaming knowledge (β = .22, 95% CI [.10, .34]). For the awareness subscore, a significant association was observed with lucid dreaming frequency (β = .18, 95% CI [.06, .31]), and meta-awareness (β = .21, 95% CI [.09, .34]).