ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates a developmental model that combines physiological factors with relational factors. It includes a model of mother–infant interactions. Under optimal circumstances, the dream provides some way of resolving a conflict, and the dream is forgotten. If the dream is particularly stimulating or anxiety provoking, the dream is more likely to be remembered. Anxiety dreams occur when the system is over-stimulated either psychologically or physiologically. In traumatic dreams, the dreamer cannot envision a way in which threat can be resolved. Freud’s view was that pleasure is associated with drive reduction, and he came to that perspective for a variety of theoretical as well as historical reasons. It is unlikely that anyone will doubt that intensity factors are important in development or the clinical situation. The chapter presents a model that looked at one of the underlying factors in determining intensity.
