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Testing the Nightmare Cognitive Arousal Processing Model

delete2024-11-01
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PRE
AI
W
Westley Youngren *
N
Nancy A. Hamilton
K
Kristopher J. Preacher
G
Garrett Baber
DOI:10.1037/tra0001542delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Objective: Posttrauma nightmares are recurring nightmares that begin after a traumatic experience. Research has only recently begun to identify variables that predict posttrauma nightmare occurrences. Research has identified presleep arousal-cognitive (PSA-C) and presleep arousal physiological (PSA-PHYS), sleep onset latency (SOL), and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) as potential predictors of posttrauma nightmares. However, previous research includes methodological limitations, such as a lack of physiological measures and a homogeneous sample. To replicate previous findings and increase generalizability, the current study investigated predictors of nightmare occurrences in a sample of male inpatient veterans with mixed-trauma history. Method: Participants (n = 15) completed an initial assessment battery and seven consecutive days of pre and postsleep diaries, including measures of posttrauma nightmare triggers and posttrauma nightmare occurrences. Portable objective measurements of sleep and presleep states were used to examine sleep quality and physical arousal. Results: Analyses revealed that PSA-C and SOL both predicted posttrauma nightmare occurrences and that PSA-PHYS was significantly higher on nights when nightmares occurred. Conclusion: Results replicate earlier research which posits that PSA and SOL play a role in triggering the occurrence of posttrauma nightmares. It should be noted that the sample was relatively small, warranting cautious interpretation of results. However, when taken together with the findings of the replicated study, results could suggest the plausibility of therapies targeting presleep cognitions, SOL, and presleep arousal in the treatment of posttrauma nightmares.
Keywords:
nightmares
veterans
trauma
sleep diaries
multilevel modeling

Journal

Psychological Trauma-Theory Research Practice and Policy cover
Psychological Trauma-Theory Research Practice and Policy
IF:
2.3
Papers:
188
Citations:
6.4K

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University of Kansas
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university of missouri kansas city
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University of Missouri System cover
University of Missouri System
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