Hello there! I need help with my psychology homework.

I need help with this scenario:

Ezekiel, a rising high school freshman, has the following dream the night before school starts. After reading his dream, attempt to interpret/describe the function of Ezekiel’s dream using the theories below.

Ezekiel’s Dream: "I dream that I showed up for my first day of high school and I had no idea where to go. I was lost and I kept looking at my watch, realizing that I was already late. Whenever I asked for directions, people would laugh at me. Then, suddenly I had no clothes on and people were laughing even harder. I started crying and went home where my mom told me that I was a failure and that I can never do anything if I couldn’t even go to school on time. I woke up shaking and trembling because it felt so real."

1. How would the Wish-Fulfillment Theory explain this dream?

2. How would the Activation-Synthesis Theory explain this dream?

3. How would the Information-Processing Theory explain this dream?

Respuesta :

Hello! Let's explore how each theory might interpret Ezekiel's dream:

1. **Wish-Fulfillment Theory**:
According to Sigmund Freud's wish-fulfillment theory, dreams are a way for the unconscious mind to fulfill desires and wishes that are unacceptable to the conscious mind. In Ezekiel's dream, his anxiety about starting high school and the fear of failure may be manifesting as a wish for guidance and support. The dream could be a reflection of his desire for reassurance and confidence in navigating this new experience.

2. **Activation-Synthesis Theory**:
According to the activation-synthesis theory proposed by J. Allan Hobson and Robert McCarley, dreams are the brain's attempt to make sense of random neural activity during sleep. In this view, Ezekiel's dream could be the result of his brain processing various thoughts, emotions, and memories related to starting high school. The feeling of being lost and exposed could be a result of random neural firing being interpreted as a narrative by the brain.

3. **Information-Processing Theory**:
The information-processing theory suggests that dreams are a way for the brain to process and consolidate information from the day. Ezekiel's dream could be his brain's way of dealing with the stress and anxiety of starting high school. The feeling of being lost and overwhelmed may reflect his concerns about being unprepared for this new phase of life. The dream could be a way for his brain to sort through these emotions and prepare him for the challenges ahead.

In summary, each theory offers a different perspective on Ezekiel's dream, suggesting that it could be a manifestation of his unconscious desires and fears (wish-fulfillment theory), a random interpretation of neural activity (activation-synthesis theory), or a processing of his thoughts and emotions related to starting high school (information-processing theory).