Sackwild , L. (2020). The healing and transformative potential of lucid dreaming for mitigating depression: An interpretive and phenomenological analysis [Unpublished Master’s thesis]. Alef Trust & Middlesex University.

This study aims to analyse and distinguish the healing and transformative potential of lucid dreaming for overcoming depression. It applied Smith and Osborn’s (2007) interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) as a qualitative research method. IPA is a particularly useful methodology for examining complex accounts of an individual’s personal perceptions and complex topics which are emotionally laden. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 12 participants, all of whom have a high frequency of lucid dreams. Data analysis was conducted on six of the twelve participants and a table of relevant and overlapping themes and connections between cases was constructed. The superordinate themes identified were self-exploration; creativity; empowerment; & spiritual and transpersonal. Overall, findings suggest that lucid dreaming is a powerful transpersonal modality which fosters healing, transformation, and the potential to mitigate depression.