Maria Campo Redondo

United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates

Title: The Psychological Impact of Ethnic Discrimination on Nightmares in Women: Evidence from the United Arab Emirates

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Biography

Maria Campo Redondo have been part of UAEU since 2018. She is Emeritus Professor at the University of Zulia, where she developed her academic career since 1989. During her academic life, she have directed more than 20 master's and doctoral students. Her research interests focus on the application of evidence-based psychodynamic concepts to the understanding and treatment of human behavior in populations with emotional trauma, psychological abuse and neglect, as well as in patients with anxiety, depression and PTSD. Part of her research has focused on the application of experiential and reflective practice processes, such as film and dream narrative analysis, in the teaching of clinical psychology. She obtained a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Michigan University (USA), as well as a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and a PhD from the University of Zulia (Venezuela); she also completed advanced postgraduate training in individual and family psychotherapy at the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute (USA) and Wayne State University (USA). She have a psychologist license and a psychotherapist certification by the Venezuelan Association of Psychotherapy (endorsed by the World Council for Psychotherapy).

Abstract

Background:

Perceived ethnic discrimination is a well-established stressor that contributes to anxiety and depression, both of which are linked to disturbed sleep. Nightmares, in particular, may reflect this connection. This study examined whether perceived ethnic discrimination directly predicts nightmare frequency and distress beyond the effects of anxiety and depression.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 179 female university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Standardized measures assessed perceived ethnic discrimination, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and nightmare frequency and intensity. Group comparisons were also performed across different ethnic backgrounds.

Results:

Both anxiety and depression were associated with more frequent and distressing nightmares. However, perceived ethnic discrimination emerged as an even stronger predictor of nightmare experiences. Two explanatory models were proposed: a psychoanalytic perspective linking discrimination to unconscious fears and the Disposition–Stress framework highlighting biological stress responses. No significant differences were found across ethnic groups in reports of nightmares or perceptions of discrimination.

Conclusion:

Perceived ethnic discrimination exerts a notable influence on nightmare occurrence, suggesting its impact extends into subconscious processes. The absence of ethnic group differences points to a shared experience within the UAE’s diverse population, reflecting social integration while underscoring the psychological costs of discrimination.