LAUSR

The goals of this study were to develop and assess the reliability of a dream coding system of early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and modes, to explore whether self versus other dream characters express different EMSs and modes, and to explore cross-state (waking to dreaming) correspondence of EMSs. One hundred and forty-one women completed an online questionnaire that included an adapted version of the Young Schema Questionnaire – Short Form 3 (YSQ-S3) and their most recent dream report. A scoring system was developed based on schema therapy and applied to dreams by four independent judges. Inter-rater reliability ranged from moderate to excellent. There was a differential incorporation of EMSs according to dream characters; self appeared significantly more deprived and weak (e.g., abandoned and abused) and in a vulnerable child mode, whereas others rather expressed grandiosity in an impulsive child mode. Cross-state correspondence was observed for the abandonment/instability EMS. More precisely, the abandonment/instability score on the questionnaire predicted the presence of the analogous EMS in the most recent dream ( OR  = 1.61). This study provides preliminary evidence that a dream coding system of EMSs can be reliably applied by minimally trained coders. Dreamwork may be a useful addition to guided imagery in schema therapy and appears especially well suited for intervention with adults who fear abandonment.