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Related Experiment Video

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Exploring the Neural Correlates of Cognitive Reappraisal in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Task-based Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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Nightmare Coping Strategies and Their Association With Big Five Personality Traits.

Julia Wiesenthal¹, Michael Schredl¹

¹Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.

Journal of Sleep Research

|June 10, 2026

Summary

Personality traits influence how people cope with nightmares. While extraversion was linked to discussing nightmares, other hypothesized links between personality and coping strategies were not found in this general population study.

Keywords:

coping strategies nightmares personality traits

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Sleep Science

Background:

Nightmares affect approximately 5% of the German population weekly.
Nightmare diagnosis and treatment remain inadequate.
Understanding coping mechanisms in the general population is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between Big Five personality traits and nightmare-coping behaviors.
To assess the effectiveness of various coping strategies for nightmares.
To explore how personality influences the selection and perceived success of coping strategies.

Main Methods:

An online survey was administered to 411 participants, primarily psychology students.
Established questionnaires assessed Big Five personality traits.
A modified coping scale evaluated nightmare-coping strategy use and perceived effectiveness.

Main Results:

Extraversion showed a small positive association with discussing nightmares (β = 0.44, p < 0.05).
Contrary to hypotheses, openness did not predict information seeking, and neuroticism did not predict trigger avoidance.
Exploratory analyses indicated potential links between other traits, demographic variables, and coping strategy effectiveness.

Conclusions:

Personality traits are associated with certain nightmare-coping behaviors, though effects were modest in this sample.
The findings highlight a nuanced relationship between personality and how individuals manage nightmares.
Further research is needed to fully elucidate trait-coping dynamics and effectiveness in diverse populations.