Unemployment Affects Dreams, According to Research

New research reveals that unemployment can even affect people's dreams. According to the study, published in the journal Dreaming, unemployment changes dreams, reducing elements of surprise and visual observation, while increasing work-related themes.

Researchers rely on the assumption of 'continuity,' according to which dreams are an extension of daily life. When someone loses their job, they experience mental detachment that extends into their sleep.

Job loss can cause identity crisis, reduced self-esteem, social withdrawal, and feelings of alienation. Researchers examined the dreams of unemployed individuals and reached the following conclusions:

• More professional themes: Dreams more often contained words related to workplaces, studies, and professional issues.
• Less 'surprise': References contained fewer words indicating surprise or unexpected changes.
• Reduced visual observation: Unemployed individuals used fewer words related to 'seeing,' 'observing,' 'looking.'

Researchers suggest that disengagement from work extends even to dreams, leading to a less active and observant nightly experience.

Source: Vita