Sleep Disturbance and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescence: The Role of Catastrophic Worry

• NCJ Number: 244288
• Journal: Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 42 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2013 Pages: 1223-1233
• Author(s): Nanette S. Danielsson; Allison G. Harvey; Shane MacDonald; Markus Jansson-Frojmark; Steven J. Linton
• Date Published: August 2013
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The current study investigated whether catastrophic worry, a potential cognitive vulnerability, mediates the relationship between adolescent sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms, as well as whether there are gender differences in this relationship.

Abstract

Depression is a common and debilitating disorder in adolescence. Sleep disturbances and depression often co-occur with sleep disturbances frequently preceding depression. The current study investigated whether catastrophic worry, a potential cognitive vulnerability, mediates the relationship between adolescent sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms, as well as whether there are gender differences in this relationship. High school students, ages 16-18, n = 1,760, 49 percent girls, completed annual health surveys including reports of sleep disturbance, catastrophic worry, and depressive symptoms. Sleep disturbances predicted depressive symptoms 1-year later. Catastrophic worry partially mediated the relationship. Girls reported more sleep disturbances, depressive symptoms, and catastrophic worry relative to boys. The results, however, were similar regardless of gender. Sleep disturbances and catastrophic worry may provide school nurses, psychologists, teachers, and parents with non-gender specific early indicators of risk for depression. Several potentially important practical implications, including suggestions for intervention and prevention programs, are highlighted. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.