The threat simulation theory of the evolutionary function of dreaming: Evidence from dreams of traumatized children.
Consciousness and Cognition March 1, 2005 Katja Valli, Antti Revonsuo, Outi Pälkäs et al.
The threat simulation theory of dreaming (TST) () states that dream consciousness is essentially an ancient biological defence mechanism, evolutionarily selected for its capacity to repeatedly simulate threatening events. Threat simulation during dreaming rehearses the cognitive mechanisms required for efficient threat perception and threat avoidance, leading to increased probability of...