A critical review of the evidence base of imagery rehearsal for posttraumatic nightmares: pointing the way for future research.
Gerlinde C. Harb, Andrea J Phelps, David Forbes, Richard J Ross, Philip Gehrman, Joan M. Cook
Journal of Traumatic Stress September 30, 2013 DOI: 10.1002/jts.21854 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 16 |
| Population | Randomized controlled and uncontrolled trials of imagery rehearsal for posttraumatic nightmares |
| Intervention | Imagery rehearsal |
| Topics | Dreaming |
| Keywords | Humans Dreams Stress disorders, post-traumatic Research design Imagery, psychotherapy |
| Key findings | The authors report that most of the 16 reviewed trials of imagery rehearsal for posttraumatic nightmares provided insufficient information on treatment delivery, participant samples, data analysis, and treatment assignment. They argue that such low methodological quality and poor reporting can inflate estimates of treatment effects and produce inadequately substantiated conclusions, and they call for randomized controlled trials with credible comparison conditions, predictor studies, and dismantling studies. |
Abstract
In this article, the authors provide information on key characteristics of imagery rehearsal treatment protocols and examine the quality of reporting of randomized controlled and uncontrolled trials of imagery rehearsal for treating posttraumatic nightmares. Using a reliable and valid scale, two independent psychologists rated 16 trials. Most reports provided insufficient information on a range of variables including the definition of treatment delivery (e.g., therapist supervision, treatment fidelity), description of the participant sample, data analysis (e.g., determination of sample size), and treatment assignment (e.g., randomization procedures). Low methodological quality and poor reporting can lead to inflation of estimates of treatment effects and inadequately substantiated conclusions, such as inflated effect sizes in meta-analytic studies. Numerous imagery rehearsal protocols exist, but in some cases are given different names and tested in pilot studies, slowing progression in the field. Randomized controlled trials of imagery rehearsal with credible comparison conditions, examination of predictors of dropout and outcome, as well as dismantling studies of imagery rehearsal treatment components are needed.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on dreaming, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cognitive neuroscience of lucid dreaming | 2019 | Review | |
| Sleep and dreaming are for important matters | 2013 | Review | |
| Nightmare Disorder and Isolated Sleep Paralysis | 2020 | Review | |
| My Dream, My Rules: Can Lucid Dreaming Treat Nightmares? | 2019 | Review | |
| Dream Recall: State or Trait Variable? Part I: Model, Theories, Methodology and Trait Factors | 1996 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 16
- The nature of posttraumatic nightmares and school functioning in war-affected youth PLoS One November 25, 2020
- Psychosocial treatments for nightmares in adults and children: a systematic review BMC Psychiatry April 21, 2023
- An Expert Consensus Statement for Implementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Nightmares in Adults Behavioral Sleep Medicine January 15, 2025
- The Impact of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies for Nightmares and Prazosin on the Reduction of Post-Traumatic Nightmares, Sleep, and PTSD Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis of Randomized and Non‐Randomized Studies InTech eBooks November 2, 2016
- The Effectiveness of Imagery Rescripting Interventions for Military Veterans With Nightmares and Sleep Disturbances: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy July 1, 2024
and 11 more in the library
Cites 16
- A combined group treatment for nightmares and insomnia in combat veterans: A pilot study Journal of Traumatic Stress November 11, 2009
- Increased Mastery Elements Associated With Imagery Rehearsal Treatment for Nightmares in Sexual Assault Survivors With PTSD. Dreaming December 1, 2004
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Nightmares and Sleep Disturbance in Iraq War Veterans: A Feasible and Promising Treatment Combination Journal of Aggression Maltreatment & Trauma July 23, 2009
- A Meta-analysis of Imagery Rehearsal for Post-trauma Nightmares: Effects on Nightmare Frequency, Sleep Quality, and Posttraumatic Stress Clinical Psychology Review June 30, 2012
- Effectiveness of a manualized imagery rehearsal therapy for patients suffering from nightmare disorders with and without a comorbidity of depression or PTSD. Behaviour Research and Therapy May 30, 2012
and 11 more in the library