Exploring the Relationship Between Perceived Stress and Dream Experiences in Young Adults

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between perceived stress and various dream components—recall, frequency, dream content, emotional tone, and nightmare frequency among young adults aged 18 to 35. The research aims to gather demographic information, measure stress levels among male and female participants, and identify correlations between stress and dream characteristics. A sample of 200 respondents, evenly split between males and females, was analyzed using standardized scales, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Mannheim Dream Questionnaire (MADRE). The results reveal significant gender differences in stress levels, with females reporting higher mean stress (M = 23.08, SD = 5.36) compared to males (M = 21.08, SD = 5.65), a finding supported by strong statistical significance (p < 0.001). Additionally, the study finds a positive relationship between stress levels and dream frequency, with those experiencing higher stress also reporting increased dream recall and more frequent nightmares. The correlation analysis highlights significant relationships between perceived stress and dream recall frequency (r = 0.35, p < 0.01), emotional tone (r = -0.25, p < 0.01), and nightmare frequency (r = 0.45, p < 0.01), suggesting that stress influences not only how often individuals remember their dreams but also the emotional quality and content of those dreams. These findings contribute to the understanding of how stress impacts sleep and dreaming, particularly in populations that juggle academic and work responsibilities. The study underscores the importance of addressing stress to mitigate its effects on sleep and mental health. Future research could explore these relationships in more diverse populations and consider additional factors such as sleep quality and coping mechanisms.