Pain in the mind: Neuroticism, defense mechanisms, and dreaming as indicators of hysterical conversion and dissociation

Abstract

This study examined the extent to which the intrinsic predispositions that modulate dream content serve as indicators of the hysterical tendency to conversion and dissociation. The Dream Themes Inventory, Dream Intensity Scale, Limbic System Checklist-33, Dissociative Experiences Scale, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised-Short Form, Boundary Questionnaire-18, and scales for evaluating defense mechanisms were administered to 585 Chinese participants. The findings indicate that the intensity of dream experiences and the narrative content of dreams are useful for identifying individuals with clinically significant hysterical symptoms. Hysterical dissociation is better predicted by the Ego Ideal, Appetite-Instinctual, and Sexual scales of the Dream Themes Inventory, whereas hysterical conversion is better indicated by the Persecution scale. This finding is discussed in relation to the neuropsychological mechanisms of dreaming and delusions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)