Case Studies
Danielle DeAngelis, 58927090
January 25, 2026
Essentials of Psychology SSC130
Assignment 351260
, Case Study #1: The Woman Who Dreams of Stress
Arlene is worried that her recent dream experiences indicate that something
is wrong with her. If you were Arlene’s friend and wanted to reassure her,
how would you help her to understand the normal experience of sleep and
dreams?
As Arlene’s friend, it would be important to reassure her that there is nothing
wrong with her, and her frightening dreams are likely a response to the
overwhelming stress she is currently experiencing in her life. It may be helpful
for Arlene to understand the stages of sleep that she is moving through each night,
and why it is perfectly normal to dream. Stage 1 is the transition between
wakefulness and sleep. Stage 2 brings on a deeper sleep from which it becomes
increasingly more difficult to awaken someone. Stage 3 is the deepest stage of
sleep where she is the least responsive to outside stimulation. After stage 3, the
sleep may cycle back to a shallower state called REM sleep, categorized by an
increase in heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure as well as rapid back
and forth eye movement (Feldman, 2019). Dreams are most likely to occur and be
remembered in this stage of sleep. It is important to let Arlene know that this
stage of sleep is critical in human functioning.
Which theory of dreaming seems to best explain Arlene’s disturbing dreams,
and why?
Danielle DeAngelis, 58927090
January 25, 2026
Essentials of Psychology SSC130
Assignment 351260
, Case Study #1: The Woman Who Dreams of Stress
Arlene is worried that her recent dream experiences indicate that something
is wrong with her. If you were Arlene’s friend and wanted to reassure her,
how would you help her to understand the normal experience of sleep and
dreams?
As Arlene’s friend, it would be important to reassure her that there is nothing
wrong with her, and her frightening dreams are likely a response to the
overwhelming stress she is currently experiencing in her life. It may be helpful
for Arlene to understand the stages of sleep that she is moving through each night,
and why it is perfectly normal to dream. Stage 1 is the transition between
wakefulness and sleep. Stage 2 brings on a deeper sleep from which it becomes
increasingly more difficult to awaken someone. Stage 3 is the deepest stage of
sleep where she is the least responsive to outside stimulation. After stage 3, the
sleep may cycle back to a shallower state called REM sleep, categorized by an
increase in heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure as well as rapid back
and forth eye movement (Feldman, 2019). Dreams are most likely to occur and be
remembered in this stage of sleep. It is important to let Arlene know that this
stage of sleep is critical in human functioning.
Which theory of dreaming seems to best explain Arlene’s disturbing dreams,
and why?
