The Emergence of Dreaming
Mind-Wandering, Embodied Simulation, and the Default Network
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc
Published:2nd Nov '17
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
G. William Domhoff's The Emergence of Dreaming presents a new neurocognitive theory linking dreams to waking thought, emphasizing personal psychological meaning.
In The Emergence of Dreaming, G. William Domhoff introduces a groundbreaking neurocognitive theory that explores the intricate relationship between dreaming and waking thought. His research reveals that a significant portion of dreams—between 70 to 80 percent—are dramatized reflections of personal concerns from our waking lives, encompassing our past, present, and future. This connection underscores the psychological relevance of dreams, suggesting that they may serve as a canvas for processing our daily experiences and emotions. Domhoff's work emphasizes the similarities between dreaming and the more fluid nature of waking thought, supported by both laboratory and non-laboratory studies.
The book also delves into the developmental aspects of dreaming, highlighting a fascinating discovery regarding the dreaming patterns of young children. Domhoff notes that children dream less frequently and with reduced complexity until they reach ages 9-11, aligning with the gradual development of cognitive skills essential for more intricate dream experiences. This developmental angle adds depth to our understanding of how dreaming evolves alongside our cognitive growth.
Moreover, Domhoff challenges the notion that dreaming serves any adaptive function, positing instead that it may be an unintended by-product of our waking cognitive processes. He presents a thorough critique of existing dream theories and concludes with recommendations for future research, advocating for innovative methodologies using modern technology. The Emergence of Dreaming is poised to be a pivotal contribution to the fields of psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and sleep research, offering fresh insights into the enigmatic world of dreams.
Dreaming is the simplest form of imagination. Its vivid and sometimes bizarre nature continues to attract attention of scientists and lay people alike. The new book by G. William Domhoff, one of the founders of quantitative dream analysis, will undoubtedly attract interest in people from all ways of life. * Andrey Vyshedskiy, Evolutionary Studies in Imaginative Culture *
Domhoff reviews in wonderful detail the history of scientific research into dreams over the last 65 years, showing the rigour of lab and non-lab studies. . . . [He] provides a comprehensive and captivating account of experiments and theories in the field, including his own content analysis work and neurocognitive account of dreaming. * Mark Blagrove, PhD, FBPsS, Director of Research and Professor of Psychology, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University *
At a time when numerous disciplines are witnessing a renewed and burgeoning interest in dreams, Domhoff offers the reader a lucid and eye-opening analysis of the literature, from foundational studies of dreaming and dream content to recent discoveries in the neurosciences. Domhoff has produced an exciting, insightful book that brilliantly pulls decades of accumulated findings and ideas together into a compelling and state-of-the-art neurocognitive theory of dreams. Erudite, groundbreaking, and utterly fascinating, Domhoff's The Emergence of Dreaming is a 'tour de force' of original thinking and sets a new standard in the field. A must-read for anyone interested in dreams. * Antonio Zadra, PhD, Professor, Département de psychologie, Université de Montréal *
Domhoff treats us to a fascinating book about a fascinating topic. A tour by a master through the science of dreams, from the discovery of Rapid Eye Movement Sleep to the latest research. An easy to read introduction for anyone, yet so comprehensive and detailed that every researcher will learn something. * Richard Schweickert, PhD, Professor, Psychological Sciences, Purdue University *
ISBN: 9780190673420
Dimensions: 155mm x 239mm x 31mm
Weight: 621g
360 pages