The Nightmare Proneness Scale as a Measure of the Propensity to Experience Frequent Nightmares

Abstract

The Nightmare Proneness Scale (NPS; Kelly, 2018) has been described as a measure of the propensity to experience frequent nightmares. However, previous research has only examined the NPS in relation to a continuum of lower to higher nightmare frequencies rather than its relationship to frequent (i.e., at least weekly) nightmares. The current study examined differences in high and low NPS scores across different frequencies of nightmares and dream recall among 824 university students. A significant 71% of individuals reporting frequent nightmares were classified as high on the NPS. Similarly, 71% of individuals reporting never experiencing nightmares were classified as low on the NPS. Dream recall had little relationship with NPS scores. The results support the proposal that high NPS scores indicate a tendency to experience frequent nightmares. Suggestions for additional research on the NPS and understanding differences in mechanisms of dreams and nightmares are discussed.