Different keys unlock different doors: analyzing content and affect regulation in dream reports

BackgroundFor empirical dream research, numerous scales and rating systems exist for different facets of dreaming.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to compare two different approaches for dream report analysis focusing on content and affect regulation, respectively.Materials and methodsThe Hall and Van de Castle Coding System (HVCCS), complemented by two global rating scales, as well as the Zurich Dream Process Coding System (ZDPCS) were applied to one dream of a patient with impairments in personality functioning.ResultsThe comparison of both approaches reveals clear differences with respect to theoretical presuppositions, coding material, evaluation categories, norm data, time course of dream content, and economic as well as sample size considerations. For instance, while the HVCCS is distinguished by its economic applicability, the ZDPCS allows for a detailed reconstruction of the dynamic development of the dream plot.ConclusionOnly precise knowledge of the specific characteristics of different approaches to dream content allows researchers to adequately define their analytic strategy.