In psychology, the works by Freud play an important role from multiple perspectives. According to his theory of dreams, there is always a meaningful connection between human dreams and mental abnormalities. Understanding the modifications between dream types is vital as it is an effective way to recognize wish fulfillment. Manifest content and latent content are the two major types of analysis.
The former introduces the dream exactly as it exists and is comprehended by a person. In other words, a dream’s manifest content is literal and real. A dream’s latent content includes the evaluation of symbols and the analysis of the hidden psychological meaning of human behaviors and thoughts. These differences should be properly identified to learn the impact of invisible meanings and symbols that people do not distinguish.
There are many examples of how psychologists use latent and manifest contents of dreams. Compared to actual images and thoughts of manifest content that individuals use for self-improvement, latent content represents true feelings and emotions. Unconscious thoughts are hard to predict and understand, but most people remain dependent on their desires and want that are poorly identified by the conscious mind.
Despite the differences, the dream’s content has to be analyzed either following the latent mode or the manifest mode. Using simple words and explanations, the manifest dream content is what is on the surface of the human mind, while the latent dream content is below the surface. Symbols may confuse and disorient, but their impact is critical for personal development and psychological well-being.
Freud’s proposal of dreams’ contents is a significant contribution to psychoanalysis, and the relationships between manifest and latent characteristics formulate a solid psychological background.