Jung wanted to treat images in dreams as what?

• A. Communications from the psyche
• B. Random brain noise
• C. Repressed memories
• D. Wish fulfillment

Answer: (A)

In Jungian theory, dreams are communications from the psyche—messages from the unconscious spoken in symbolic image language to guide awareness and growth. The dream content is not seen as random brain noise; it is meaningful and can reveal inner conflicts, needs, or potentials that the waking ego may not notice. Dreams aren’t simply repressed memories or memories being replayed; they can bring forward overlooked aspects of the self, sometimes bridging gaps between the conscious attitude and hidden sides of personality. And while Freud emphasized wish fulfillment, Jung viewed dreams as having a compensatory or guiding function, often pushing toward balance and individuation—moving the person toward greater wholeness. The symbols can be personal or archetypal from the collective unconscious, offering insight that is both unique to the individual and connected to broader human patterns. In practice, interpreting dreams focuses on what the images suggest the psyche needs to communicate, using that understanding to foster growth and integration.