Dream question ...

[Order66]

When we sleep our minds can create images or physical sensations. What about emotions? Are these constructed also? For example, in a dream, could your mind create fear of something which you wouldn't be afraid of real life? In other words can the emotion be simulated by the mind so that we only think we are afraid?

Edited April 26, 2011 by Halloween78

[Emin]

That is likely possible, in the right conditions emotions can shift from one way to another depending on the situation like say while dreaming, so it is possible to say that some things people aren't usually fearful of might experience it in a frightening or bizzare manner within a dream.For what reasons exactly i'm not sure but i'm sure it happens.

[Order66]

Thanks Emin

[Sevastiel]

Dreams are capable of reproducing any experience that you are capable of having while awake; and (obviously) also those which are not possible while awake. If you can feel it, sensually or otherwise, then it can be replicated in dreams.

Dreams are entirely about "what we think", truth be told. Even if we do not necessarily consciously think such things.

[SlimJim22]

Fear is created when introduced to potentially threatening stimuli. It may be physical or in a dream but the emotion of fear is their because of how our brains interpret the stimuli. The Fight versus Flight response is well worth reading up on and I feel like I have come across it many times in my own dreams. Depending on how we react to it and the situation changes depends on the feedback that reinforces the emotion. The stronger the negative feedback the stronger the negative association ergo fear increases.

We can condition ourselves to be less afraid in reality through conquering fears in dreams I believe. Often dreams are actually subconscious thoughts from the real world manifesting in dream form. Thus if we can overcome them in the dream then it should in theory help us in reality.

I echo what Sevastiel says but just to add that the mind does not simulate emotions as I see it. The stimuli is interpreted by the brain and this releases hormones. The thinking part creates the emotion so this is the process thoughts and emotions go through naturally. Feelings and thoughts are different but they are causally linked depending on feedback outcomes. Sort of.