Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Understanding dreams refers to the process of interpreting and analyzing the content and symbolism within a person's dreams. It is believed that dreams can provide insight into an individual's subconscious thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
Dream analysis is a therapeutic technique that involves examining the content of dreams to uncover unconscious desires, conflicts, or unresolved issues.
REM sleep stands for Rapid Eye Movement sleep, which is characterized by vivid dreaming and rapid eye movements. It is considered crucial for understanding dreams.
Psychoanalysis is a therapeutic approach developed by Sigmund Freud that emphasizes exploring unconscious processes, including dream interpretation, as a way to gain insight into psychological issues.