Convergent, Discriminant, and Incremental Validity of the Nightmare Proneness Scale
Dreaming (New York, N.Y.) March 1, 2019 DOI: 10.1037/drm0000097 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional validation study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 140 |
| Population | University students |
| Topics | Dreaming |
| Key findings | The Nightmare Proneness Scale demonstrates convergent and discriminant validity and predicts incremental variance in nightmares beyond general distress, neuroticism, and trauma symptoms. |
Abstract
The current study examined the validity of the Nightmare Proneness Scale (NPS; Kelly, 2018) as measuring a personality disposition that predisposes individuals to experience frequent nightmares. The NPS and measures to estimate its convergent and discriminant validity were administered to a sample of 140 university students. The convergent validity of the scale was supported through significant correlations with nightmare frequency, nightmare distress, nightmare effects, general psychological distress, neuroticism, and trauma symptoms. Discriminant validity was demonstrated through nonsignificant correlations with feminine gender role, habitual sleep length, and social desirability. Regression results indicated that the NPS significantly predicted incremental variance in nightmares above general distress, neuroticism, and trauma symptoms combined as well as above nightmare distress and nightmare effects. The results and suggestions for additional research on the NPS and nightmare proneness were suggested.