Citation

Laird DA. J. Abnorm. Psychol. (1906) 1920; 14(6): 406-410.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1920, American Psychopathological Association, Publisher Gorham Press)

DOI

10.1037/h0073678

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Examined the common sense concepts regarding dreams, suggestibility and memories held by lay persons, to provide information useful for the application of the principles of abnormal psychology to mental welfare. 100 Ss (aged 17-56 yrs) completed a question blank. All Ss stated that they dreamed frequently. 72 Ss did not know the causes of dreams, and believed that they were due to the kind or amount of food intake, worry, the conscience, and disturbed sleep. 59 Ss reported that dreams often prophesied future events. None of the Ss were acquainted with the wish-fulfilling aspects of dreams. 31 Ss had seen demonstrations of hypnosis, and 36 Ss believed in it; however, 8 Ss felt that not everybody could be hypnotized. Familiarity with the concept of subconsciousness was reported by 12 Ss, who had read about it. In general, more faith was shown in the occult phenomena than in the facts of abnormal psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)