The Role of Dreams in the Assessment and Analysis of Mental Health Conditions from the Perspective of Mental Health Practitioners

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Jemina Ranzel V. Dampil, De La Salle University Integrated School, Manila
Cyrene Gabrielle S. Fernando, De La Salle University Integrated School, Manila
Quinn Kirsten M. Nuestro, De La Salle University Integrated School, Manila

Document Types

Paper Presentation

School Code

N/A

School Name

De La Salle University Integrated School, Manila

Abstract/Executive Summary

Studies have proven that a person’s dreams and mental health condition have a connection with each other. In fact, major dream theories such as Freud’s and Jung’s have been the basis of practitioners in studying dreams. The purpose of this research is to explore the role of dreams in the assessment and analysis of mental health conditions. Moreover, this study focuses on the experiences and practices done by mental health practitioners with regards to their patient’s dreams. In this qualitative study, the researchers interviewed five mental health practitioners in the Philippines, specifically licensed psychologists and psychiatrists, given that they have the most experience in handling patients with mental health conditions. Through the semi-structured interviews with mental health practitioners, things such as the frequency of dream usage, its link to a person's conscious life, and what kinds are further examined were discussed. Dreams have also been described as an indicator for additional assessment, with the practitioners basing their chosen methods on the needs of their patients.

Keywords

dreams; unconscious; dream analysis; mental health conditions; mental health practitioners

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Gender, Human Development, and the Individual (GHI)

Initial Consent for Publication

yes