Dreaming of death: An exploration of the relationship between death anxiety and nightmare severity in Australian adults

Author Identifier (ORCID)

Mitchell Turner: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6406-1273

Abstract

Throughout history and across cultures, humans have been interested in the relationship between dreams, nightmares and death. Research examining this relationship is scarce, and findings have been mixed. This study aimed to (a) quantify the potential prevalence of nightmare severity and death anxiety, explore associations and differences between sexes and age groups, and (b) examine typical dreams and their relationship to death-related themes. A total of n = 432 participants (n = 128 males and n = 304 females) completed a cross-sectional study using the Death Anxiety Beliefs and Behavior Scale (DABBS), Disturbing Dream and Nightmare Severity Index (DDNSI), and the Typical Dreams Questionnaire (TDQ). This study found that 10% had a self-reported sleep disorder, and 47% reported a mental health diagnosis. We found that 15% had clinical scores for DABBS, which was significantly higher in females, and in those with a mental health diagnosis (p,.001 for all), DDNSI was at 26% for the group. Linear regression identified a significant relationship between DDNSI and DABBS score. Greater levels of death anxiety were significantly associated with (p =.003) increased DDNSI scores (β =.08, adjusted R2 =.019). When analyzing the TDQ, those who had death-related dreams had significantly higher death anxiety and disturbing dreams and nightmares. This study highlights the opportunities in clinical practice to support those with death anxiety, mental health, and nightmares and how they impact sleep health. This can be done through in-person or online cognitive behavioral therapy-based programs that may be beneficial in treatment before seeking pharmacological or specialized treatments.

Document Type

Journal Article

Date of Publication

1-1-2025

Publisher

American Psychological Association

School

Centre for Precision Health

RAS ID

83602

Comments

Dunican, I. C., Turner, M., Meaklim, H., Cunnington, D., Burge, M., & Menzies, R. E. (2025). Dreaming of death: An exploration of the relationship between death anxiety and nightmare severity in Australian adults. Dreaming. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/drm0000315

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