Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Carlos Diaz-Lazaro

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between trauma and non-nightmare recurrent dreams (NNRD). Although there is extensive literature on the psychological consequences, diagnosis, and treatment of trauma, studies on the role of sleep processes have focused almost exclusively on nightmares. The potential relationship between NNRD and traumatic experiences has been overlooked by researchers. The purpose of this study was to assess if history of trauma and NNRD were correlated. More specifically, using Revonsuo’s threat simulation theory as a framework, the study evaluated if gender, quality of sleep, depression, anxiety, stress, and history trauma predicted NNRD. A cross-sectional correlational survey design was employed. A sample of 239 adults were recruited, of which 192 were entered in the statistical analyses. A logistic regression analysis identified quality of sleep as the only predictor of NNRD. Bivariate correlation analyses yielded significant correlations between history of trauma and anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and stress, in that order of magnitude. The non-significant relationship between history of trauma and NNRD present an unclear picture about the relevance of threat simulation theory as an explanatory framework. Future research may benefit from improving the operationalization of NNRD as well as assessing the role of resilience and psychological needs as potential moderators of the relationship between history of trauma and NNRD. The positive social change implications of this study are associated with the potential for beliefs and attitude change on the relationship between trauma and sleep among clinical psychologists and the public.

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