Publications

Pandemic Dreams are Susceptible to Priming and Unrelated to Covid-19 Exposure

Faculty Author(s): Gallagher, Shawn
Student Author(s): -
Department: PHYS
Publication: Journal of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies
Year: 2021
Abstract: Surveys that have recruited participants through social media and news websites have led researchers and clinicians to conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated a parallel pandemic of nightmares that reflect pandemic-induced psychological distress. Many of these surveys were administered to participants who intentionally opted into research knowing that the investigators were soliciting pandemic dream reports. This investigation surveyed 193 college students who were blind to the purpose of the study to assess the prevalence of pandemic dreams and to determine if the wording of the questions could shape responses. Fewer than half could recall a dream. Reports were brief, susceptible to priming, and unrelated to personal SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 exposure. Although this sample was not truly random, it is probably more representative of the US population than those recruited through thematic websites. Clinicians should be aware of problems inherent in survey research and understand how their words can shape client responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies is the property of International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy & Applied Mental Health and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Link: Pandemic Dreams are Susceptible to Priming and Unrelated to Covid-19 Exposure