Dream content of Canadian males from adolescence to old age: An exploration of ontogenetic patterns

•Expanded ontogenetic trends in dreams for men from adolescence to old age.•Predominance of aggressive imagery in adolescent age group.•Results support previously observed age differences in male dreams with an extended range.•General comparisons made between ontogenetic patterns in dream variables and waking development.

The present study was a first look at the ontogenetic pattern of dream content across the lifespan for men. The participants included 50 Canadian men in each of 5 age groups, from adolescence to old age including 12-17, 18-24, 25-39, 40-64, and 65-85. The last age group included 31 participants, totaling 231 males. One dream per participant was scored by two independent judges using content analysis. Trend analysis was used to determine the lifespan-developmental pattern of the dream content categories. Results demonstrated a predominance of aggressive dream imagery in the adolescent age group in line with social-developmental research. These patterns of dream imagery reflect the waking developmental patterns as proposed by social theories and recognized features of aging. Limitations and suggestions for future research, including the examining of the developmental pattern of gender differences across the lifespan, are discussed.