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Explaining the gender difference in nightmare frequency.
The American Journal of Psychology
|June 18, 2014
Summary
Women report more nightmares than men, a difference mediated by neuroticism and dream recall. Gender-specific socialization may explain these nightmare frequency disparities in adolescents and adults.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sleep Science
Background:
- A significant gender difference exists in nightmare frequency, with women reporting more frequent nightmares than men.
- This difference is observed in adolescents and young adults, suggesting developmental influences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mediating factors contributing to the observed gender difference in nightmare frequency.
- To explore the role of neuroticism and dream recall in this gender disparity.
Main Methods:
- The study utilized an unselected student sample.
- Statistical analyses were employed to identify mediating variables for the gender difference in nightmare frequency.
Main Results:
- Neuroticism and overall dream recall frequency were identified as significant mediators of the gender difference in nightmare frequency.
- The gender difference in nightmare frequency appears to emerge around age 10.
Conclusions:
- Neuroticism and dream recall mediate the gender difference in nightmare frequency.
- Gender-specific socialization processes may play a crucial role in the development of gender differences in nightmare frequency from adolescence into adulthood.
- Further longitudinal research is needed to confirm these findings.
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