Definitions of dream: A paradigm for comparing field descriptive specific studies of dream.

Abstract

A single definition for dreaming is most likely impossible given the wide spectrum offields engaged in the study of dreaming, and the diversity in currently applied definitions. Many studies do not specify a definition, yet results are likely to be comparable only when comparable definitions of the topic are used. The alternative is to develop a classification system organizing the multiplicity of definitions for dream. A dream should not be exclusively defined as a non-conscious electrophysiologic state. Dreaming is, at least in part, a mental experience that can be described during waking consciousness. Definitions for dreaming should be utilized in research and discussion which address the various axes which define dreaming: Wake/sleep, Recall, and Content.

Dreaming and the default network: A review, synthesis, and counterintuitive research proposal

“…Similarly, the Freudian theorists Mark Solms and Oliver Turnbull (2002, p. 213) argue that ''the functional anatomy of dreaming is almost identical to that of schizophrenic psychosis,'' which is characterized by frequent hallucinatory activity. On the other hand, dreaming sometimes is defined very broadly as any form of mental activity during sleep, which can range from thoughts and isolated images to the more story-like experiences that are recalled upon awakening; in still other studies, ordinal scales are used to rate mentation reports as to the degree that they are like canonical definitions of dreaming, which can bring about considerable agreement concerning the amount of dreaming that was found in a wide range of studies (e.g., Nielsen, 2000;Pagel et al, 2001;Zadra & Domhoff, 2011, for further discussion).…”

Drug induced nightmares—an etiology based review

“…This approach is incorporated into some studies while in others an anxiety dream is defined to be a different area of frightening dream classification Krakow and Neidhardt, 1992). There is no generally accepted definition for dream, however, dream definitions can be categorized (Pagel et al, 1999(Pagel et al, , 2001). Definitions for dreaming should include nodal definition points from three axes: (1) sleep/waking, (2) recall and (3) content.…”

Born to adapt, but not in your dreams

“…A more formal definition is a non-conscious electrophysiological state while the body is alive (Pagel et al, 2001). According to Ramachandran and Rogers-Ramachandran (1996) a dream can be conceived of as a series of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations occurring involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep.…”