TY - JOUR Y1 - 2008/// UR - https://journals.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/index.php/IJoDR/article/view/21 A1 - Spoormaker, Victor SP - 15 AV - none ID - heidok9399 VL - 1 N2 - 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. JF - International Journal of Dream Research TI - A cognitive model of recurrent nightmares IS - 1 EP - 22 ER -