It is generally acknowledged that lucid dreaming facilitates personal growth, including the development of creativity, mindfulness, and self-esteem. However, is that really the case? The answer to this question can be found in an article by researchers Karen Konkoly and Christopher Burke, published in the Dreaming journal.
According to the authors, in practice, these are still just popular hypotheses that have not been proven by real research. Moreover, in assessing these indicators, scientists often do not take into account other factors that contribute to personal growth when conducting experiments, such as keeping a dream journal and reality checking practices.
To test this hypothesis, the authors conducted their own experiment. They divided 32 volunteers into 3 groups: the first group trained in lucid dreaming techniques, the second used only the dream journal and reality checking technique, and the third group did not use any techniques.
After conducting a long-term assessment of the indicators of personal growth and psychological well-being among the participants, the authors found no significant differences in the indicators among the different groups. Nevertheless, lucid dreaming practitioners had higher self-esteem and life satisfaction the day after a successful practice.
The study was published in 2019 in the Dreaming journal.
