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Individual Differences Research

ISSN 1541-745X

3 papers in the library · publishing 2020-2026

Papers

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Nightmare Proneness and Neuroticism: Related but Empirically Distinguishable Predictors of Nightmares

Individual Differences Research May 22, 2026 William E. Kelly

Nightmare proneness and neuroticism are strongly related constructs which differentially predict variance in nightmares, yet their empirical distinctiveness remains unclear. The current study examined relationships among nightmare proneness, neuroticism, and nightmares in 774 university students. Principal axis exploratory factor analysis indicated that nightmare proneness and neuroticism items...

Proposed Cut Scores for the Nightmare Experience Scale (NExS) Among Nonclinical Samples: An Analog Study

Individual Differences Research December 1, 2023 Emily O. Cooper, William E. Kelly

This study employed an analog design to evaluate optimal cut scores for the Nightmare Experience Scale (NExS) to identify individuals with possible clinically salient nightmares (CSNs) in a nonclinical sample. Undergraduate participants (N = 480) completed the NExS, the Disturbing Dream and Nightmare Severity Index (DDNSI), and the SLEEP-50 Nightmare Scale (S50-N). Using established DDNSI and...

Containment and Overflow in the Sleeping Ego: Relationship Between Ego Functions and Nightmares

Individual Differences Research December 1, 2020 William E. Kelly

Nightmares may signal failures in emotional and self-regulation. Drawing on ego-psychological theory, this study tested whether specific ego functions predict nightmare frequency beyond neuroticism. University students (N = 269) completed the Nightmare Experience Scale, Ego Functions Assessment, and Mini-IPIP Neuroticism Scale. Hierarchical regression showed ego functioning accounted for...