Skin Conductivity and Dream Analysis Tara Brown-L’Bahy

Dr. Robert Bosnak n Jungian psychoanalyst specializing in dream analysis. n Method based on the Socratic principal, that if asked the right questions, a person will naturally give birth to adequate answers.

The Role of Technology in Dreamwork n Should be an active participant in the process of dreamwork rather than a passive medium, like a telephone. n Should be used to enhance the ability to ask good questions and provide direction, not to interpret the meaning of dreams.

Initial Hypothesis n Similar psychosocial responses in a given dreamer will produce matching patterns on a galvanic skin graph. n These “matches” will reflect unconscious “complexes,” which are represented by similar patterns of fluctuation in skin conductivity level - reflecting a “complex of emotions.” n The responses will be organized around the same or similar concepts.

Data n Skin conductivity level is measured every.25 seconds by two sensors on fingertips - output to graph. n Dreamers’ words are audio taped and transcribed and each phrase mapped to the second its utterance began - output to text. A participant, in a very relaxed state, describes her/his dream in a group (5) at which time:

Data Sample

Data Analysis n Visually identified 2 instances of similar patterns within SCL measurement graphs. n Mapped graph segments to corresponding text.

A Match? Top Graph 45:28 [Can you look at this man?} Yes. 45:32 He just makes me happy. 45:48 I'm going to cry 45:50 [Stay with the feeling. Just feel it.] 46:22 He really helps the sadness. Bottom Graph :52 A man comes up to us. He's the communicator for the dinosaurs. 1:01 We are to take the front of our heads and crack them down into the dinosaurs openings. 1:15 It's the only way we're to survive. 1:19 For some reason I trust this man even though I'm terrified. 1:24 I decided to do it...The cracks reveal an amazing world of new possibilities.

Testing Procedures Testing Procedures n 8 samples of two segments of text whose corresponding SCL patterns were similar. n 8 random samples of two segments of text whose corresponding SCL patterns were not similar. n Shuffle 16 samples, present them to Bosnak who rates them according to significance. n 1 = Absolutely sure there is no match. 10 = Absolutely sure there is a match.

Sample Parameters Sample Parameters n Each sample within dream - 4 different subjects, 5 different dreams. n 30 second buffer on either end. n For each “matching” sample there is a random sample from the same dream and similar in length of time.

Sample Sample He talks to me. Somehow I know he’s a communicator for the dinosaurs. He says, “Throw your had down into the opening they’ve made.” The dinosaurs are stomping around in a rampage and shove their heads into the street with a tremendous force. They’re cracking the earth, asphalt, concrete. They are enraged. Like a kid who has a temper tantrum and beats his head on the floor. They are wound up and crazed. I can see 180 degrees in front. Terror is mounting; state of shock. Feel terrorizing my body. Terror starts in the lower abdomen, through body, into chest. There is a strangling sense in my throat. Throat goes to freezing, screaming or hysterical crying. I’m frozen - no sense I’m going to run. The edge is insanity, like a place of cracking. There is no return. Beyond existence

Results

Significance n Supports original hypothesis that similar psychosocial responses in a given dreamer will produce matching patterns on a galvanic skin graph. n Indicates that similar SCL patterns may reflect similar moods, rather than similar concepts.

Implications (for Bosnak) n This can enhance one’s ability to identify similar fluctuations of self-states in self (moods) in self and/or others. n Awareness of similar moods at different times, presents a significant opportunity for dreamers to better understand the meaning of their dreams. n This opportunity will be more accessible to people who prefer to relate to machines rather than other people (particularly men). n The ability to do this in real time will be even more useful to dreamers and analysts.

Limitations n Small sample size. n Unexplained discrepancies. n “Matches” more frequent in particular subjects and dreams than in others. n Significance not confirmed by dreamer.

Thanks.