NEUROSES AND PSYCHONEUROSES

Abstract

STUDENTS taking introductory courses in psychology were experimentally investigated in order to throw light on the question-Do emotionally unstable individuals recall more dreams than their relatively stable associates ? It was concluded that something besides emotional instability was operative in determining the frequency of dreams. The evidence here set forth gives no foundation for the Freudian concept of dreams and must be looked upon as putting the analysts on the defensive when they begin talking about the relationship between dreams and emotional instability. On the contrary, no evidence appears here to question the assumption of H. J. Watt, who says the chief difference between the thinking of daily life and of dreams must surely lie in the initial source of each. In sleep we start usually, or after the slightest reflection from within or without the body, with favoured but unsatisfied or unrealized attitudes of mental action. These are the parts of our mind that have the most latent energy and are least asleep. C. S. R.