The Role of Social Motives in Dream Content

Authors

  • Frederick Thomas Professor of Psychology, College of Humanities and Sciences, Psychology Department, Coker University, USA Author
  • Katelynn Andrews Psychology Major Coker University, USA Author
  • Christien Leavitt Psychology Major Coker University, USA Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47363/JPSIR/2025(3)132

Keywords:

Dreaming, Evolution, Motivation, Regulatory Focus

Abstract

The fundamental social motives framework has generated several empirical findings demonstrating the activation of a motivational system that guides
conscious (live) cognition and downstream behavior in functional ways. This evolutionary view of motivation describes social cognition as an inner
motivational state designed to recognize, analyze, and mobilize behaviour to manage social threats or opportunities during conscious social situations. This paper revisits the role of fundamental social motives during unconscious (remote) cognition. This paper argues that the premise of fundamental motives is worth preserving during dreaming. The connections between social motives and dream content are highlighted. This paper proposes a novice perspective that serves as a generative foundation for future empirical research.

Author Biographies

  • Frederick Thomas, Professor of Psychology, College of Humanities and Sciences, Psychology Department, Coker University, USA

    Frederick Thomas Assistant Professor of Psychology, College of Humanities and Sciences, Psychology Department, Coker University, USA.

  • Katelynn Andrews, Psychology Major Coker University, USA

    Frederick Thomas Assistant Professor of Psychology, College of Humanities and Sciences, Psychology Department, Coker University, USA.

  • Christien Leavitt, Psychology Major Coker University, USA

    Frederick Thomas Assistant Professor of Psychology, College of Humanities and Sciences, Psychology Department, Coker University, USA.

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Published

2025-07-20

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 4 (2025): Volume 3 Issue 4

Section

Articles