Dream Study Intro -
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Lucid dreams are those in which the dreamer knows they are in a dream while in the dream. Maybe because lucid dreaming is associated with volitional control of dream content, these dreams are viewed in the public consciousness as overwhelmingly positive. In dreams, lucid thought presents the dreamer with opportunity to confront figures and situations threatening the self and to strive for a beneficial reconciliation (Tholey, 1988), possibly decreasing the negative affect and frequency of nightmares (Zadra & Phil, 1997). Lucid dreaming has been suggested as a candidate therapy for dealing with nightmares but lucid dreams may be related to threatening dreams in a more intimate manner. Lucidity may arise from extreme threat scenarios in dreams and even maintain an aire of threat whilst the dreamer is aware of their being embedded in a dream. This view of lucidity, if correct, says that the predominant trigger for lucid dreams would be facing our worst fears and is contrary to the perspective that lucid dreams are exclusively a positive experience.
Looking at lucidity within the Threat Simulation Theory context of dreaming is analogous to the idea that we are most awake in our day lives when faced with extreme threat coupled by a sense of competency and control. For instance, the hormonal rush and wide-eyed state of full immersion accompanying competent rock climbing, race car driving, and high-level sports competition may be more related to lucid dreaming than would be other enjoyable activities which do not demand attention to the imminence of great threat. If this is the case, then lucidity in dreams may be best induced by striving when awake for those goals which are only attained through effort, hard work, and a trust in one’s own abilities. In other words, combating our inner demons and trusting in our ability to over-come adversities may be mirrored in dreams. |