The Threat Simulation in Nightmares-Frequency and Characteristics of Dream Threats in Frequent Nightmare Dreamers

摘要

According to the threat simulation theory, the function of dreams is to rehearse threatening situations, which served an evolutionary advantage for our ancestors. Furthermore, the exposure to waking life threats is thus supposed to lead to an increased occurrence or quality of dream threats. Aims of the study were to investigate differences in the occurrence and quality of threatening events in dreams between nonnightmare dreamers and occasional nightmare dreamers. In the present study, a sample of narrative dream reports was investigated. Results show that occasional nightmare dreamers reported significantly more dreams than nonnightmare dreamers, but no significant differences were found in the intensity of negative emotions, the number of threats per dream, and the severity of dreams. Further, emotional appraisal plays an important role in the resolution of the threat. The threat simulation theory in particular is supported by this study.