Negative affectivity, sensory processing hypersensitivity, sleep quality and dreams: A conceptual model for generalised anxiety disorder in adults

Background: This study is aimed to examine the direct and indirect effects of negative affectivity (NA) and sensory processing hypersensitivity (SPH) in the explanation of variations in dreams and sleep quality based on Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in outpatients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Methods: Mean age for women ( N = 100) and men (N = 100) were 26.53 and 31.74 years, respectively. The participants responded to a demographic sheet, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales- 21 (DASS-21), the Highly Sensitive Persons Scale (HSPS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Mannheim Dream Questionnaire (MADRE) measures in this study. Results: The results showed a significant positive and direct connection between NA and SPH with dreams and sleep quality. SPH in outpatients with GAD moderated the relationship of NA with dreams and sleep quality. Finally, dreams and sleep quality had significant positive relationships in this sample. Conclusion: This conceptual model for dreams and sleep quality is beneficial for developing psychotherapeutic interventions in outpatients with GAD.