Outline for a theory on the nature and functions of dreaming

Journal/Book: Dreaming. 1996; 6: 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013-1578. Human Sci Press Inc. 147-170.

Abstract: Based on dreams after trauma and other recent research a view of the nature of dreaming is developed along the following fines. Dreaming makes connections more broadly than waking in the nets of the mind. Dreaming avoids the ''central'' rapid input-to-output portions of the net and the feed-forward mode of functioning; it makes connections in the further out regions (further from input/output) and in an auto-associative mode. Dreaming produces more generic and less specific imagery. Dreaming cross-connects. The connections are not made in a random fashion; they ave guided by the emotion of the dreamer. Dreaming contextualizes a dominant emotion or emotional concern. This is demonstrated most clearly in dreams after trauma as the trauma resolves but can likewise be seen in dreams after stress, in pregnancy, and in other situations where the dominant emotional concern is known. The form that these connections and contextualizations take is explanatory metaphor. The dream, or the striking dream image, explains metaphorically the emotional state of the dreamer. This entire process is probably functional. The dream functions to spread out excitation or reduce ''computational energy'' and does this by cross-connecting and ''weaving-in''. This has an immediate function in ''calming a storm'' or reducing a disturbance, and a longer term function relating to memory - not so much consolidating memory but rather cross-connecting, weaving in something new, increasing the connections.

Note: Article E Hartmann, Tufts Univ, Sch Med, 27 Clark St, Newton, MA 02159 USA

Keyword(s): dreaming; dreams; connectionist nets; psychotherapy; metaphor

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