On the Functions of Imagined Interactions in Night Dreams

Abstract

Imagined interactions (IIs) are a form of mental imagery and daydreaming in which people imagine conversations or other interactions with significant others. IIs serve six intrapersonal communication functions including catharsis, rehearsal, self-understanding, compensation, conflict-linkage, and relational maintenance. IIs are an important form of cognition that effects both message production and message interpretation. Daydreams and night dreams have traditionally been thought of as distinct processes, but more recently, they have been theorized as points along a continuum of consciousness. We investigated whether the functions of IIs are also served by interactive night dreams. Results reveal intriguing similarities and differences in the functions of interactive daydreams and interactive might dreams. In addition, we found these dreams had overwhelmingly negative affect as opposed to positive, neutral, or mixed affect. Results are discussed in terms of continuity theory.