Sleep disturbances and nightmares in victims of sexual abuse with post-traumatic stress disorder: an analysis of abuse-related characteristics.
Geneviève Belleville, Mylène Dubé-Frenette, Andréanne Rousseau
European Journal of Psychotraumatology March 21, 2019 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2019.1581019 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 44 |
| Population | Adult sexual abuse victims seeking treatment for PTSD and sleep disturbances |
| Topics | PTSD Dreaming |
| Keywords | Sexual abuse Nightmares Sleep quality Sleep disturbance |
| Key findings | Age at the time of sexual abuse contributed to the severity of distress associated with nightmares, and the number of perpetrators contributed to nightmare frequency. Sleep disturbances had different correlates than overall PTSD symptom severity, suggesting abuse characteristics may help clinicians identify patients who could benefit most from targeting nightmares and sleep problems. |
Abstract
Background: Sexual abuse victims often experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including sleep disturbances.
Objective: To investigate whether or not characteristics of sexual abuse are associated with sleep disturbance, and to explore whether correlates of sleep disturbance are distinguishable from those of PTSD symptom severity.
Method: Forty-four adult sexual abuse victims seeking treatment for PTSD and sleep disturbances completed validated self-report questionnaires assessing sleep, nightmares, and PTSD symptoms.
Results: Age at time of sexual abuse contributed to the severity of distress associated with nightmares, whereas the number of perpetrators contributed to the frequency of nightmares. Sleep disturbances had different correlates compared to those of overall PTSD symptoms.
Conclusions: The present study highlighted that age at time of abuse and number of offenders may account for variability in sleep disturbances. Exploration of characteristics of sexual abuse could help clinicians to quickly identify who could benefit the most from targeting nightmares and other sleep disturbances in treatment.
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| Risk factors of sleep paralysis in a population of Polish students. Polish university students under 35 | 2022 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 2,553 |
| Expert opinions on implementation of MDMA-assisted therapy in Europe: critical appraisal towards training, clinical practice, and regulation. Researchers and clinicians involved in MDMA-AT clinical trials and contributors to the... | 2024 | Survey | n = 68 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
Cites 2
- Efficacy of Imagery Rehearsal Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Sexual Assault Victims With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Traumatic Stress August 1, 2018
- Imagery rehearsal therapy for chronic nightmares in sexual assault survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA August 1, 2001