Dreaming of Death: An Exploration of the Relationship Between Death Anxiety and Nightmare Severity in Australian Adults

Abstract

Throughout history and across cultures, humans have been interested in the relationship between dreams, nightmares and death. Research examining this relationship is scarce, and findings have been mixed. This study aimed to (a) quantify the potential prevalence of nightmare severity and death anxiety, explore associations and differences between sexes and age groups, and (b) examine typical dreams and their relationship to death-related themes. A total of n = 432 participants (n = 128 males and n = 304 females) completed a cross-sectional study using the Death Anxiety Beliefs and Behavior Scale (DABBS), Disturbing Dream and Nightmare Severity Index (DDNSI), and the Typical Dreams Questionnai..