Interpersonal Loneliness Predicts the Frequency and Intensity of Nightmares: An Examination of Theoretic Mechanisms

The evolutionary theory of loneliness (ETL) argues that human belongingness is essential to survival and failing to meet belongingness needs constitutes a threat to viability. In two separate studies (total N = 1,609), links between loneliness and nightmares were examined as a test of ETL postulates. As hypothesized, loneliness predicted nightmare frequency (both studies) and nightmare intensity (Study Two only). Although stress mediated the relationship between loneliness and nightmare frequency in Study One, stress was not a significant mediator of this relationship in Study Two. As predicted, in Study Two both hyperarousal and rumination mediated the relationships between loneliness and nightmare frequency and between loneliness and nightmare intensity. Theoretical implications include support for both the aversive signaling and implicit vigilance postulates of ETL.