| This dissertation study investigates the meaning of dreams and dreaming in the African American female population and notes indications for analytical psychological analysis of this population. The study begins with a review of the literature. The areas of discussion in the review include African philosophy and mythology, analytical psychology, and traditional African healing practices. These areas were chosen for exploration in order to provide a sufficiently integrated container in which the interviews, dreams, and results of the study could be expanded upon.;Three African American women were chosen as coresearch dream participants. Each dreamer was required to maintain a dream journal, meet with the researcher for interviews, and discuss dream imagery. In addition, each participant agreed to provide details regarding personal and professional elements of their lives in the interest of obtaining dream associations and deepening the dream story.;The results of the study indicated that the three African American dream participants had a high content of family and female dream imagery. Each dreamer was noted to have both archetypal and personal dreams. The interview process with each dreamer showed the influence of the cultural collective, and the current African literature showed the importance of cultural dream symbols. In consideration of this, the relevance of dreams in making life decisions, race, and spirituality were topics explored with the dreamers.;The results of the study indicate the need for further investigation of African American dreamers and their dreams. A developing perspective on dream content, purpose, and functionality, noting the importance of cultural symbology in dream interpretation, is indicated. |
