A classification system for longitudinal analysis of dream patterns.

Abstract

A system for classifYing dream patterns over time is presented. The method includes selecting, recording and classifYing dream symbols for a given dreamer. Key symbols are identified and indexed. These symbols are then broken down into "clusters" that identifY significant patterns, such as general themes, meta symbols, companion symbols, and time clusters. Symbols can fall into patterns based on time spans, frequency, concurrence, and appearance/disappearance. These patterns are different from the patterns that might emerge from individual dream study only. Further research is needed utilizing this method for long-term dream pattern analysis.

Stretched dream science: The essential contribution of long-term naturalistic studies.

“…Linnea Brush (1993) has proposed a method of content analysis with features that may open up new possibilities in the study of hidden stories. The method includes definition of specific procedures for studying correlations, trends, and other timing effects.…”