Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2025

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
Published on: September 12, 2014
Nightmare Proneness Predicts Nightmare Frequency Incrementally Over Neuroticism and Distress
William E Kelly1, Richard C Zamora2, Soeun Park3
1Department of Psychology, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas, United States.
Nightmare proneness is a distinct trait that predicts nightmare frequency, separate from neuroticism and distress. This disposition influences how often individuals experience nightmares, even when accounting for personality and emotional states.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sleep Science
Background:
- Nightmare proneness may predict nightmare frequency independently of neuroticism and distress.
- Previous findings might be limited by measurement reliability and validity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replicate previous findings using more robust measures of neuroticism and distress.
- To investigate the relationship between nightmare proneness, nightmare frequency, neuroticism, and distress.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study with 230 university students.
- Participants completed validated measures of nightmare frequency, nightmare proneness, neuroticism, and distress.
Main Results:
- Nightmare proneness significantly predicted nightmare frequency, even after controlling for neuroticism and distress.
- Neuroticism and distress indirectly predicted nightmare frequency via nightmare proneness.
- Nightmare proneness did not mediate the relationship between neuroticism/distress and nightmare frequency.
Conclusions:
- Nightmare proneness is statistically distinct from neuroticism and distress.
- Findings support nightmare proneness as a unique construct in understanding nightmare frequency.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the nightmare proneness variable.
More Related Videos
10:43Developing Neuroimaging Phenotypes of the Default Mode Network in PTSD: Integrating the Resting State, Working Memory, and Structural Connectivity
Published on: July 1, 2014
08:29Biomarkers in an Animal Model for Revealing Neural, Hematologic, and Behavioral Correlates of PTSD
Published on: October 10, 2012
Related Concept Videos
Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares...
Cause and Effect
Preparedness and Phobias
Panic Disorder
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...