Dream characteristics of stock brokers after a major market downturn

Abstract

Dream characteristics of 28 stock brokers during the second worst weekly performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average in the last 11 yr. were measured using the KJP Dream Inventory. Additional measures of powerlessness and stress were administered as well. Significant correlations appeared between the amount of stress brokers reported during this week and the appearance of recurring nightmares (.59), feelings of being chased (.42). and dreams' pleasantness (-.64). The brokers' clients' investment performance was correlated significantly with changes in the brokers' experience of traumatic dreams (-.57) and dreams of falling (-.43). Further, as the brokers' own personal investments deteriorated overall, dreaming increased (.48), suggesting compensatory mechanisms. Results were discussed in terms of the relationship between onset of acute traumatic states and dreaming.