Factors in Hartmann’s Central Imagery Scale and their Relationship to Emotion and Traumatic Experiences

Abstract

The factor structure of Hartmann’s scale (1996b) for Central Imagery (CI) was further investigated using exploratory factor analysis. Dreamer-rated emotion and information about any trauma history, was compared to CI and the factors derived from CI. Two dreams from each of 143 participants were collected and rated for both CI and each of the separate descriptor words for CI. Participants also provided information regarding level of emotion in each dream, any trauma history, time since trauma, type, level of distress at the time, and current distress. We found further evidence that the CI scale is best thought of as comprising at least two factors. Dreamer-rated emotion was significantly correlated with all the trauma related variables, but not trait coping style. The number of distressing peritraumatic events was significantly related to CI , and with all but the visual factor. CI may be related to variables at the time of the trauma, rather than current distress.