Differences in the Manifest Dream Content of Anglo‐American, Mexican‐American, and African‐American College Women

Abstract

This study compares the manifest dream content of African‐American college women with that of their Anglo‐American and Mexican‐American peers. The dream elements examined are characters, emotions, environmental press, achievement outcomes, and social interactions that are aggressive, friendly, or sexual. The results show a statistically significant difference on only one measure: environmental press. That is, the dreams of African Americans reveal a significantly stronger perception of themselves as victims of their fate rather than directors of it.

Dream Interpretation: A Developmental Counseling and Therapy Approach

“…Thwala et (2000 reported different views about the meaning of dreams among Zula South Africans based on gender, age, education, and area of dwelling. Kane (1994) stated that dreams can reveal internalized societal messages, and found that the dreams of African American college women in her study contained a greater frequency of failure and victim themes as compared to Anglo-Americans and Mexican Americans.…”