Group Dreamwork Utilizing
Computer Mediated Communication
A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of Saybrook
Graduate School
in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of
Philosophy in Psychology
By
Saybrook Graduate School
2000
Copyright 2000 by
Herbert, John W.
All rights reserved.
Personal experience has suggested
that an excellent route to learning about the significance of dream metaphors is
to discuss those metaphors in a group setting. Group dreamwork utilizing
Ullman's "If it were my dream" protocol in face-to-face (FTF)
environments is a matter of record. Since the expansion of electronic
communications is changing the nature of community from geographic locales to
interest-based groupings, the intent of this study was to determine if elements
from Ullman's method could be applied to group dreamwork using computer mediated
communication (CMC).
A phenomenologically based pilot study using a single dream first compared
responses to the dreamer's statements of an FTF dream group with those from a
CMC group. The pilot study was specifically limited to the consideration of the
use of effective language. The computer group generated more meaningful
responses (chi square, N=23, df=2, pē.001). The technical issues of electronic
communication were addressed next, using 29 groups which were formed and tested
on 5 Bulletin Board Systems. Using action research as a method while acting as a
participant/observer, protocols were developed for group dreamwork utilizing CMC
on bulletin boards and e-mail. Group members contributed to the design of the
eventual format for online group dreamwork. Developmental dream group
participants consisted primarily of members of America Online, Seniornet, or the
Association for the Study of Dreams.
Protocols for CMC groups were developed and conducted utilizing bulletin boards,
e-mail, and combinations of the two. The procedure was modified as required.
Listserv type dream groups were joined, and extensive participation in real-time
online dreamwork included formats of electronic auditoriums, and public and
private chat rooms. A thorough discussion of issues of privacy and
confidentiality was included in this study.
Dreamers' feedback attested to meaningful dreamwork using computer mediated
communication. Issues concerned with spirituality and right livelihood occurred
frequently in dream metaphors. The increase of dream related Websites will add
to the resources available to those searching for more understanding of their
dream metaphors.
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