Wellbeing of mothers with children exhibiting sleep disturbance

Abstract

This study measured the psychological wellbeing of 36 mothers with children exhibiting sleep disturbance and compared them to a group of 36 mothers with children who slept well at night. The mothers were matched on the age and birth order of their child. The 28-question version of the General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg & Williams, 1988) was used to determine the level of psychopathology. A measure of stress comprising 10 questions adapted from the Parenting Stress Index (Abidin, 1990) was also administered. All participants were Caucasian, over the age of 18 years, and in a stable relationship. Mothers with children exhibiting sleep disturbances reported significantly higher levels than controls on all four factors on the GHQ-28, the overall level of psychopathology and stress. The results of this study suggest that the management of sleep disturbances in young children should include the assessment and treatment of maternal anxiety, depression, and stress.