Interpersonal Loneliness Predicts the Frequency and Intensity of Nightmares: An Examination of Theoretic Mechanisms

Abstract

The evolutionary theory of loneliness (ETL) argues that human belongingness is essential to survival and failing to meet belongingness needs constitutes a threat to viability. In two separate studies (total N = 1,609), links between loneliness and nightmares were examined as a test of ETL postulates. As hypothesized, loneliness predicted nightmare frequency (both studies) and nightmare intensity (Study Two only). Although stress mediated the relationship between loneliness and nightmare frequency in Study One, stress was not a significant mediator of this relationship in Study Two. As predicted, in Study Two both hyperarousal and rumination mediated the relationships between loneliness and nightmare frequency and between loneliness and nightmare intensity. Theoretical implications include support for both the aversive signaling and implicit vigilance postulates of ETL.

Keywords:

• Loneliness
• nightmares
• sleep quality
• evolutionary theory of loneliness

Disclosure Statement

We have no known conflicts of interest to disclose.

Notes

1 In both studies, percentages for racial identity sum to >100 because participants could select multiple racial identities.

2 https://osf.io/ukyzp/?view_only=7fb6426a051047308e28ba8287f1a98a.

3 The regression analysis temporarily suppressed nine participants reporting a gender other than male or female.

4 Although Krakow’s (2006) DDSNI is frequently employed, we elected to use the Nightmare Distress Questionnaire to assess nightmare intensity so we could replicate the measurement of nightmare frequency used in Study One and keep frequency and intensity as separate measures.

5 The regression analyses temporarily suppressed five participants reporting a gender other than male or female.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received funding from the Flora Family Fund at Whitworth University for the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Kory Floyd

Kory Floyd is a professor of communication and professor of psychology at the University of Arizona.

Colin Hesse

Colin Hesse is an associate professor of communication and director of the School of Communication at Oregon State University.

Colter D. Ray

Colter D. Ray is an assistant professor of communication at The University of Tampa.

Alan C. Mikkelson

Alan C. Mikkelson is a professor of communication studies at Whitworth University.