This study demonstrates that different methods for measuring emotional experiences in
dreams — self-ratings of dreams using emotion rating scales versus external ratings in the form
of content analysis of narrative dream reports — can lead to strikingly different results and
contradicting conclusions about the emotional content of home dreams. During 3 consecutive
weeks, every morning upon awakening, 44 participants (16 men, 28 women, average age 26.9
± 5.1 years) reported their dreams and rated their emotional experiences in those dreams using
the modified Differential Emotions Scale. Two external judges rated emotional experiences in
the same 552 (M= 12.55 ± 5.72) home dream reports using the same scale. Comparison of
the 2 methods showed that with self-ratings dreams were rated as more emotional and more
positive than with external ratings. Moreover, whereas with self-ratings the majority of dreams
was rated as positively valenced, with external ratings the majority of dream reports was rated
as negatively valenced. Although self- and external ratings converge, at least partially, in the
measurement of negative emotional experiences, they diverge greatly in the measurement of
positive emotional experiences. On one hand, this discrepancy may result from different biases
inherent in the 2 measurement methods highlighting the need to develop better methods for
measuring emotional experiences. On the other hand, self- and external ratings may capture
different phenomena and should thus be considered complementary and used concurrently.
Nevertheless, results suggest that negative emotional experiences can be measured in a more
valid and reliable manner than positive emotional experiences.