Nightmare: Psychological and Physiological Effects of Nightmares

Author: Dong Jiangyang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-06-01
Features: This important work by renowned psychoanalyst and sleep disorder expert Ernest Hartmann provides a detailed explanation of the special phenomenon of nightmares for the first time: who experiences nightmares, why they occur, and what nightmares mean, and so on. This monograph, with its concise and accessible language, is rich in scientific insights. It not only vividly describes nightmares but also proposes a novel and insightful theory on their causes and forms. Broadly speaking, nightmares are closely related to the fundamental fears of childhood and often recur when people feel helpless or anxious. Among these, common themes, such as being chased by demons, are recollections and manifestations of childhood fears of abandonment or being attacked. Through long-term research on various individuals frequently troubled by nightmares, Hartmann elucidates a psychological trait he calls the "weak psychological boundary." People with this trait exhibit greater openness and sensitivity to artistic expression and mental illness. It is this trait that allows early impulses to enter their dreams and makes them more sensitive and vulnerable. This work is well-researched and engaging. It extensively covers topics such as trauma, insanity, sleep, general dreams, and psychophysiology. It will provide compelling answers for all those who are amazed and confused by the mysterious phenomenon of nightmares in their lives.