Journal of Abnormal Psychology Monograph

A theoretical analysis of dream function is presented, beginning with a review of the evidence bearing on the functions of REM sleep. Freudian dream theory is summarized and shown to be closely tied to the untenable doctrines of psychic energy and drive discharge. This view of motivation is recast in structural terms with emphasis on the processes of perception, internal trans- formations of perceived and stored information, and output. Motivational dominance is accounted for in terms of the initial structuring of the "memory systems" involved in the above processes and in terms of the interconnections of certain memory systems with potentiating emotional feedback systems. Dreams are described as 1 output of memory systems operating under programs pecu- liar to sleep. The hypothesis is considered that dreams may serve a unique function in the assimilation and mastery of aroused material into the "solutions" embodied in existing memory systems.