Abstract Mkid 55

Although many studies have investigated the effects of waking experience on dream content, research on the effects of dreams on waking life is scarce. Similar to previous studies, a questionnaire approach was chosen. Overall, eighty-five participants were included in the study. The findings indicate that such effects, e.g. dreams influence daytime mood, dreams help to solve personal problems, occurred quite often. A factor analysis yielded three factors: a general factor including most items measuring the effect of dreams on waking life, a spontaneous reminiscence and a "social" factor (item "seeking contact to a person dreamed of"). Previously reported gender differences may be due to differences in dream recall frequency as found in the present study. Future studies should use diary measures to elicit the concrete dreams and their effect on waking life.