title: Phenomenological features of dreams: Results from dream log studies using the Subjective Experiences Rating Scale (SERS).
abstract: Self-ratings of dream experiences were obtained from 144 college women for 788 dreams, using the Subjective Experiences Rating Scale (SERS). Consistent with past studies, dreams were characterized by a greater prevalence of vision, audition, and movement than smell, touch, or taste, by both positive and negative emotion, and by a range of cognitive processes. A Principal Components Analysis of SERS ratings revealed ten subscales: four sensory, three affective, one cognitive, and two structural (events/actions, locations). Correlations (Pearson r) among subscale means showed a stronger relationship among the process-oriented features (sensory, cognitive, affective) than between the process-oriented and content-centered (structural) features--a pattern predicted from past research (e.g., Bulkeley & Kahan, 2008). Notably, cognition and positive emotion were associated with a greater number of other phenomenal features than was negative emotion; these findings are consistent with studies of the qualitative features of waking autobiographical memory (e.g., Fredrickson, 2001).
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Santa Clara University, United States. Electronic address: tkahan@scu.edu.
authors.forename: Tracey L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Kahan
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Santa Clara University, United States.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Claudatos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000067290:Behavior Rating Scale; D004325:Dreams / Q000523:psychology*; D000072860:Ecological Momentary Assessment; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D061212:Memory, Episodic; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Dream phenomenology; Dreaming; Experimental phenomenology; Inner experience; Subjective Experiences Rating Scale (SERS); Subjective reports of experience