Disengagement Coping and Sleep Problems Among Trauma-exposed Adolescents
Overview
Social Sciences
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Background: The formation of healthy sleep patterns is a critical component of positive adolescent development. Dysregulated sleep habits can put youth at risk for the development of a multitude of inimical outcomes, particularly among those who are exposed to a traumatic event.
Design And Methods: The present study investigated the links between voluntary disengagement coping (e.g., avoidance, denial, wishful thinking) and sleep outcomes among 86 trauma-exposed and non-exposed adolescents between the ages of 12-17 ( = 15.44, = 1.51; 41.9% female).
Results: The relationship between voluntary disengagement coping and sleep outcomes was significant only among trauma-exposed adolescents, such that greater use of voluntary disengagement strategies was associated with greater sleep disturbances and greater daytime dysfunction.
Conclusions: Targeting disengagement coping may be an important strategy to improve sleep health among trauma-exposed adolescents. Continued efforts in improving the efficacy of trauma-exposed adolescent intervention strategies are needed.