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Smith____________________ Date __February 16, 2024_____________

Exploring the Relationship Between Aggression in Dreams and Aggression levels Across

Genders

University of the West Indies Mona-WJC

ID Number: 620143135

Course Name: Research in Cognitive and Physiological Psychology

Course Code: PSYC 1006

Assignment: Dream Content Analysis

Lecturer: Mr. Butler

Date: February 16. 2024

 Abstract

This research explores the relationship between aggression levels in dreams and

gender dynamics among psychology majors at the University of the West Indies. Utilizing a

sample of 101 participants, data was collected over three nights using dream logs and

analyzed for aggression levels. Results indicate a notable gender disparity, with males

exhibiting higher aggression scores compared to females. Physical aggression predominates

in dream narratives, but the inclusion of verbal aggression slightly reduces overall aggression

levels. Gender-based differences in aggression dynamics reflect societal norms and

expectations. These findings contribute to understanding the complex interplay of

psychological, social, and cultural factors shaping dream content, emphasizing the

importance of considering gender dynamics in dream interpretation and its broader

implications for understanding human behavior.

Key terms: Aggression, dreams, Gender differences, Dream content analysis, Psychoanalytic
insights
Exploring the Relationship Between Aggression in Dreams and Aggression levels Across

Genders

Dreams have long captivated human curiosity, offering glimpses into the mysterious

workings of the mind and the complexities of human experience. Throughout history, various

interpretations of dreams have been proposed, from Freud's psychoanalytic insights to

modern neuroscientific perspectives. Among the myriad themes that emerge in dreams,

aggression stands out as a particularly intriguing phenomenon. Understanding the

relationship between aggression in dreams and aggression levels across genders holds

significance not only for unraveling the mysteries of dream content but also for gaining

insights into the psychological and sociocultural factors that shape human behavior.

According to McLeod (2023), Freud's seminal work in "The Interpretation of

Dreams" established psychoanalysis and highlighted the importance of the unconscious mind

a point that is sometimes overlooked by modern psychological theories. With its emphasis on

dreams as windows into the brain that disclose underlying conflicts and aspirations, this

method established the foundation for knowledge about human behaviors and mental

processes. Sleep is divided into REM and NREM stages, with NREM sleep being restorative

for physiological processes. While dreaming mainly occurs during REM sleep, both stages

are essential for learning and memory. REM sleep involves accelerated breathing and

paralysis. Although the exact duration of dreams is uncertain, individuals typically dream for

around two hours per night, with not all dreams being recalled upon waking. Cleveland Clinic

(2023)
 Dream recollection during REM sleep tends to be vivid, while dreams during NREM

sleep are shorter and less detailed, as mentioned in "What to Know about Dreaming through

the Sleep Cycle" (2021). Despite being less common and vivid, dreams can occur during non-

REM sleep, according to studies. McLeod (2023) notes the enduring fascination with dreams

throughout history and across civilizations, with various interpretations attempting to explain

their significance. Sigmund Freud, a prominent psychologist, viewed dreams as a gateway to

the unconscious, suggesting that dream analysis could enhance self-awareness and

understanding of life challenges. Freud made a distinction between the latent content, which

signifies the dream's underlying significance, and the apparent content, which represents the

dream's plot. Carl Jung also suggested that dreams had access to the collective unconscious,

which is full of archetype universal symbols.

As stated in the "Implications of Dream Content Analysis for the Humanities”.

Content analysis is used by the Hall/Van de Castle system to try and derive meaning from

different types of "text" by applying quantitative techniques and predefined categories.

Cartwright (1953), one of the early proponents, defined content analysis as the process of

turning human symbolic behavior into quantifiable, objective scientific facts that might be

used to theory. It is also described by Hall (1969a) as the process of classifying qualitative

data to determine frequencies for statistical analysis and significance testing.

As stated in the article "Dreams and Dreaming | Introduction to Psychology," dreams

reflect life as it goes on, shaped by the events of each day and influencing one's ability to

solve problems. Dream analysis in therapy attempts to detect underlying emotional states and

increase self-awareness to treat real-life concerns. Reducing the frequency of nightmares is

possible with techniques like imagery rehearsal therapy and lucid dreaming. Dream
interpretation is a well-established therapeutic method that examines underlying tensions and

desire fulfilment. Complex coding techniques, like the Hall & Van de Castle scale, help

interpret the content of dreams. In accordance with Schredl et al. (2003), The Hall/Van De

Castle coding system, developed by psychologists Calvin S. Hall and Robert Van de Castle,

is a comprehensive method for analyzing dream content. It categorizes dream reports into 10

main categories, including characters, social interactions, and descriptive features. Using

nominal measurement and raw frequencies, researchers can examine data using percentages

and ratios to account for different sample sizes and variables. This approach has revealed

gender disparities in dream content, with males and females showing distinct patterns, and

variations across age groups and cultural contexts, particularly in the representation of

animals.

According to the article entitled “Implications of Dream Content Analysis for the

Humanities” Aggression emerges as a prevalent theme in dreams, occurring in nearly half of

all dreams and displaying variations based on age, gender, culture, and personality. Studies

using the coding system have also shed light on differences between the dreams of mental

patients and those of normal individuals. Patients tend to have fewer friends represented in

their dreams and exhibit lower rates of friendly interactions, highlighting potential differences

in social cognition and interpersonal relationships. While anthropologist Barbara Tedlock has

questioned the utility of content analysis in anthropological studies, citing challenges in

collecting dream reports from small traditional societies, studies using the Hall/Van De

Castle system have produced valuable insights. These studies reveal both similarities and

differences in dream content compared to American norms, underscoring the importance of

cultural context in shaping dream experiences. Overall, the Hall/Van De Castle coding

system serves as a valuable tool for researchers seeking to understand the rich tapestry of

dream content and its psychological underpinnings across diverse populations and contexts.
 The article "Implications of Dream Content Analysis for the Humanities" explores the

analysis of aggressive dreams using word search technologies. Researchers use the Sleep and

Dream Database (SDDb), which categorizes dreams, including physical aggression. They

found that 15.1% of female dreams and 21.5% of male dreams contained physical

aggression-related words, with a combined baseline figure of 17.6%. This supports the notion

that men's dreams tend to feature more physical aggression than women's. Longitudinal

studies show significant variation in the frequency of physical aggression in individuals'

dreams over time. This study aims to explore gender differences in the expression of

aggression within dream narratives among psychology majors enrolled at the University of

the West Indies. It seeks to investigate whether variations exist in the prevalence and nature

of aggressive dreams based on gender and to understand the underlying psychological,

cultural, and societal factors contributing to these differences. Through empirical research,

the study intends to enhance our understanding of how gender shapes the experience of

aggression in dreams and its potential implications for psychology and clinical practice.

Hypotheses:

1. There is a significant difference in the levels of aggression in dreams between

males and females. With males exhibiting higher levels of aggression when compared to

females.

2 Within each gender group, there is no significant difference in aggression levels,

indicating that gender is not a determining factor in aggression among individuals of the same

gender.
 `Method

Participants

The study utilized a sample size of 101 participants, comprising 96 females and 14

males. Participants were selected through a simple random sampling method from the

population of psychology majors at the University of the West Indies.

Apparatus

Data collection involved the use of a data collection sheet and pen to record and tally

information obtained from participants' dreams, including the content within each dream. An

alarm was employed to wake up participants, enabling researchers to promptly record the

details of each dream.

Procedures

The research involved participants conducting their nightly routines at home as usual,

with instructions not to consume alcohol or caffeine to avoid affecting sleep quality. Before

bed, they were asked to place a data collection sheet and pencil by their bedside to log dream

content easily. Participants were instructed to use both a checklist and narrative log to record

dream content, setting an alarm for 2 a.m. to ensure documentation of dreams. This process

was repeated for three nights, resulting in each participant reporting three dreams.
 Results

The descriptive statistics for aggression levels within the studied population reveal

that males exhibit higher aggression levels compared to females, with a mean aggression

score of 0.30 and a standard deviation of 0.24 for males, while females exhibit a lower mean

aggression score of 0.15 with a standard deviation of 0.14.

(See Table 1. In Appendix)

The results indicated that within the studied population, physical aggression alone has a mean

score of 0.78, while when combined with verbal aggression, the mean score decreases

slightly to 0.71. This suggests that while physical aggression is prominent within dreams, the

inclusion of verbal aggression slightly reduces the overall aggression levels observed.

(See Table 2. In Appendix)

The results indicated that aggression is prevalent within the studied population. With

approximately 23% of interactions involving aggressive behavior. Aggression towards males

occurs at a higher rate (30%) when compared to females (15%), suggesting gender-based

difference in aggression dynamics. Physical aggression is prominent. Constituting about 78%

of aggressive interactions, while a combination of physical and verbal aggression accounts

for approximately 71%.

(See Table 3. In Appendix)

 Discussion

The descriptive statistics for aggression levels within the studied population shed light

on the prevalence and nature of aggression within dream narratives, offering valuable insights

into gender-based differences and the dynamics of aggressive behavior. Firstly, the results

reveal a notable gender disparity in aggression levels, with males exhibiting higher

aggression scores compared to females. Males have a mean aggression score of 0.30, with a

standard deviation of 0.24, while females exhibit a lower mean aggression score of 0.15, with

a standard deviation of 0.14. This finding suggests that within the studied population, males

tend to manifest more aggressive behaviors within their dreams compared to females.

Furthermore, when examining the breakdown of aggression types, the results indicate

that physical aggression is the most prominent, constituting approximately 78% of aggressive

interactions within dream narratives. However, interestingly, the inclusion of verbal

aggression slightly reduces the overall aggression levels observed, with a mean score

decreasing from 0.78 for physical aggression alone to 0.71 when combined with verbal

aggression. This suggests that while physical aggression dominates within dreams, the

presence of verbal aggression may temper overall aggression levels to some extent.

Moreover, the overall prevalence of aggression within dream narratives is noteworthy, with

approximately 23% of interactions involving some form of aggressive behavior. This

indicates that aggression is a common theme within the dreams of the studied population,

reflecting the complex interplay of psychological, social, and cultural factors shaping dream

content.
 The observed gender-based differences in aggression dynamics further highlight the

nuanced nature of aggression within dream narratives. The higher rate of aggression towards

males (30%) compared to females (15%) underscores the influence of gender norms and

societal expectations on dream content. These findings align with broader research suggesting

that societal norms surrounding gender may influence the expression of aggression within

dreams.

Conclusion

The research paper on aggression levels in dream narratives among psychology

majors at the University of the West Indies concludes that gender significantly influences

aggression levels in dreams. Males tend to exhibit higher aggression levels compared to

females, suggesting the impact of societal norms and expectations. Surprisingly, significant

differences in aggression levels were found within each gender group, indicating that factors

beyond gender, such as personality traits and cultural influences, play a role. The prevalence

of physical aggression in dreams, alongside variations in verbal aggression, highlights the

complexity of aggressive behavior within dream narratives. Overall, the study emphasizes the

importance of considering gender dynamics in dream interpretation and underscores the need

for further research to explore the underlying mechanisms driving gender-based differences

in aggression within dreams.

 References

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, June 19). Sleep. Cleveland Clinic.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/12148-sleep-basics

Domhoff: New Directions in the Study of Dream Content. (n.d.). Dreams.ucsc.edu. Retrieved

February 12, 2024, from https://dreams.ucsc.edu/Library/domhoff_1999a.html

DreamResearch.net: Implications of Dream Content Analysis for the Humanities. (n.d.).

Dreams.ucsc.edu. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from

https://dreams.ucsc.edu/Library/domhoff_2002a.html

Dreams and Dreaming | Introduction to Psychology. (n.d.). Courses.lumenlearning.com.

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/waymaker-psychology/chapter/reading-dreams/

Journal: Dreaming Online Articles. (n.d.). International Association for the Study of Dreams.

Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.asdreams.org/dreaming-journal-

online-articles/

McLeod, S. (2023, June 13). Sigmund Freud Dream Theory. SimplyPsychology.

https://www.simplypsychology.org/sigmund-freud-dream-theory.html

Nir, Y., & Tononi, G. (2010). Dreaming and the brain: from phenomenology to

neurophysiology. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 14(2), 88–100.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2009.12.001

Robert, G., & Zadra, A. (2014). Thematic and Content Analysis of Idiopathic Nightmares and

Bad Dreams. Sleep, 37(2), 409–417. https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.3426

Schredl, M., Ciric, P., Bishop , A., Go ̈litzE., & Daniele Buschto ̈nsD. (2003, December 4).

Content Analysis of German Students’ Dreams: Comparison to American Findings.

https://vle.mona.uwi.edu/pluginfile.php/253060/mod_resource/content/1/

GermanDreams.pdf
When Do Dreams Happen? What to Know About Dreaming Through the Sleep Cycle. (2021,

October 17). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/dream-cycle

 Appendix

Content Analysis of Your Dreams

ID#____________________ Gender_________

Category Dream 1 Dream 2 Dream 3

Characters:

Number of Males
Number of Females
Number of Familiar Characters

Aggression: Type

Number of aggressive Males

Number of aggressive Females

Number of verbal aggressions

Number of physical aggressions

Total

Sexual activity of some sort is

present Yes=1/No=0

Misfortunes present Yes=1/No=0

Settings:

Indoor
Outdoor
Total

Recognizable Clothing
Yes=1/No=0
 Weapons Present Yes=1/No=0

● Please ensure that your ID# and your Gender are indicated at the top of the paper.

● Do not enter any data in the shaded boxed

Please upload the data to Google Forms at this address:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfcv3r0XpNhF5ySHiB4vjazK0kK0PTFqNNVwitG

VSuxlHw5Vg/viewform?usp=sharing
 Table 1

Descriptive Statistics of Aggression Levels Among Males and Females

Mean Aggression Score Standard Deviation

Males 0.30 0.24

Females 0.15 0.14

Table 2

Comparison of Physical and Verbal Aggression Levels Between Men and Women

Physical Aggression Physical/ Verbal Aggression

Men 0.78 0.78

Women 0.71 0.71

Table 3

Comparative Analysis of Aggression Levels Across Different Variables

Aggression/ Characters Aggression with Aggression with Physical Aggression/

Males/ Males Females/ Females Physical + Verbal

23% 30% 15% 78%

18% 24% 14% 71%