College Students' Beliefs About Dreams
Many people may interpret their dreams. There are a number of beliefs or theories concerning the meaning of dreams. Robbins and Tanck (1991) conducted research concerning college students' beliefs or theories about dreams. In their follow-up study involving 86 undergraduate students, the students were provided with eight statements reflecting beliefs about dreams. The view of dreams that had the highest endorsement (91%) was the idea that dreams are linked to one's anxieties and fears. The view of dreams that had the second highest endorsement (88%) was the idea that dreams are related to events of the recent past or events of the previous day. The view of dreams with the third highest endorsement (82%) was the theory that dreams reflect ideas that are brought forth from the unconscious. (1)
These findings suggest that a large percentage of college students have some similar views concerning the nature or meaning of dreams.
Notes
See their article for information concerning other findings.
References
Robbins, P. R., & Tanck, R. H. (1991). Theories of dreams
held by American college students. The Journal of Social
Psychology, 131, 143-145.