0123 Sleep Problems and Externalizing Behaviors for Youth in Juvenile Justice Facilities

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Adolescents who experience insufficient, poor quality sleep, and sleep problems might experience difficulties with externalizing behaviors including aggression and impulse control (Bauducco et al., 2019; Brown et al., 2022). Surprisingly, sleep and behavior for youth residing in long and short-term juvenile justice facilities is understudied. The present preliminary analysis explores self-reported sleep problems and aggressive and impulse control symptoms for youth under the care of the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS). Methods Participants (N=62, 86% male, mean age = 16.8, SD=1.2) were recruited from 11 DJS detention and treatment facilities in Maryland. Racial Backgrounds: 55% Black, 18% White, 14% Multiracial, and 12% Other. They completed an online questionnaire focused on sleep behaviors (daytime sleepiness, sleep-wake behavior problems) and daytime functioning including aggressive and impulse control behaviors (e.g., modified Aggression Questionnaire, Buss & Perry, 1992; Weinberger Adjustment Inventory, WAI, 1990). Using Pearson correlations, associations between sleep problems, daytime sleepiness and externalizing behaviors were examined. Results Self-reported daytime sleepiness and sleep-wake behavior problems were associated with increased aggressive and impulse control difficulties. Youth with more sleep-wake behavior problems reported higher levels of aggressive behaviors (r = .39, p < .01) and impulse control behaviors as measured by the WAI (r = .33, p < .05). Similarly, youth with high levels of daytime sleepiness also reported more impulse control behaviors (r = .40, p < .01). Conclusion Preliminary findings suggest that youth residing in juvenile justice facilities with sleep difficulties are more likely to report aggressive and impulse control challenges. Further analyses will provide a greater understanding of the modifying factors to better understand the youth’s sleep-living environment. Support (if any) This research is made possible by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Foundation Award #22-CS-19 and Maryland Department of Juvenile Services’ supportive collaboration.