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Exploring thematic nightmare content and associated self-harm risk

Hochard, Kevin D.; Ashcroft, Sam; Carroll, Janine; Heym, Nadja; Townsend, Ellen

Authors

Kevin D. Hochard

Sam Ashcroft

Janine Carroll

Nadja Heym



Abstract

Nightmares have been shown to be robust predictors of self-harm risk, beyond depressive symptoms and hopelessness at times. However, few studies have investigated associations between nightmare content and increased self-harm risk. The present study explored associations of thematic nightmare content with history of self-harm, and risk of self-harm phenomena the morning following a nightmare. A mixed-method diary study was employed. Prospective nightmare reports were obtained from 72 participants. A total of 47 nightmare reports met inclusion criteria and were analyzed for themes using inductive thematic analysis. Chi-square and bootstrap Pearson’s correlation tests were performed to assess the associations between nightmare themes and self-harm history and risk of self-harm phenomena following a nightmare. ‘Powerlessness to Change Behavior’ was associated a history of self-harm engagement, whereas ‘Financial Hardship’ indicated reduced risk. Themes were not significantly associated with increased risk of self-harm phenomena following a nightmare. Content may be of use in detecting lifetime history of self-harm engagement particularly in populations where disclosure is seen as taboo. However, nightmare symptom severity remains better indicators of risk. Evidence for the utility of nightmare content in assessing immediate self-harm risk is presently lacking. Replication with increased power is recommended.

Citation

Hochard, K. D., Ashcroft, S., Carroll, J., Heym, N., & Townsend, E. (2019). Exploring thematic nightmare content and associated self-harm risk. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 49(1), 64-75. https://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12402

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jul 25, 2017
Online Publication Date Sep 28, 2017
Publication Date 2019-02
Deposit Date Jul 31, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior
Print ISSN 0363-0234
Electronic ISSN 1943-278X
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 49
Issue 1
Pages 64-75
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12402
Keywords Nightmares, Self-harm, Prospective diaries, Thematic analysis
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/884961
Publisher URL http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/sltb.12402/full
Additional Information This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Hochard, K. D., Ashcroft, S., Carroll, J., Heym, N. and Townsend, E. (2017), Exploring Thematic Nightmare Content and Associated Self-Harm Risk. Suicide Life Threat Behav. doi:10.1111/sltb.12402 which has been published in final form at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/sltb.12402/full This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.

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