The World I Live In: Dreams of the Blind
Do you know about any studies about the blind?
Mr Hagen's Reply:
Jill Sardegna (et.al.) Living with Vision Problems: The Sourcebook for Blindness and Vision Impairment cites numerous studies beginning in the 19th century that show that the dreams of the blind differ significantly from the dreams of the sighted. Those blind from birth or those blinded before five years of age reported no visual dreams as adults. Those blinded between five and seven years of age would retain visual imagery, however this optical imagery would begin to fade over time. Findings suggest the differences in the blind and sighted are caused by the physical limitations of blindness. Studies of the dreams of the blind appear to show that their dreams are an attempt to adapt to the social environment and the limitations caused by their handicap. The increased levels of aggression in the content of the dreams of the blind can be explained by increased frustration which can lead to aggression. A 1994 study of the dreams of the blind, concluded that dreams played an extremely important role for rehabilitation. One of the most famous cases, is that of Helen Keller who related her dreams in her book The World I Live In. The film The Miracle Worker dramatizes Helen's story.