%0 Journal Article
%A Spoormaker, Victor I.
%D 2008
%F heidok:8436
%K Nightmares , Cognition , Theory , Script , PTSD
%R 10.11588/heidok.00008436
%T A cognitive model of recurrent nightmares
%U https://archiv.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/volltextserver/8436/
%X Nightmares are a prevalent mental disorder resulting in disturbed sleep, distress, and impairment in daily functioning. Elaborating on previous theoretical models for anxiety disorders, sleep disorders and dreaming, this study introduces a cognitive model of recurrent nightmares, the central element of which concerns representation of the nightmare’s repetitive storyline in the memory as a script. It is suggested that activation of this script during REM sleep results in a replay of the nightmare, and that activation occurs through perceived similarity between dream elements and the nightmare script. The model proposes a central role for cognitive processes in the persistence of nightmares over time. The success of cognitive-behavioural treatments is explained and clinical implications are discussed.