0292 Development and Validation of the Sleep Conflict Scale in Couple Relationships

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Although there is considerable sleep concordance between partners in couple relationships, less is known about sleep practices between them and if there is conflict around sleep habits, preferences, and behaviors. Past empirical work suggests that couples who share the same sleep-wake preferences (i.e., morning vs. night people) report higher marital adjustment and less relational conflict. And yet the mechanism through which this occurs is yet unknown. One such mechanism is sleep-related conflict whereby partners disagree about their partners' sleep rituals causing sleep-related conflict. Methods The present study utilizes two samples to validate the Sleep Conflict Scale (SCS), one in individuals in relationships and the other sample of paired partners (dyadic data). The sleep conflict scale is a 5-item measure and includes items such as "My partner and I disagree about sleep routines and habits" and "Our relationship is negatively affected by our sleep differences". In order to identify the underlying factor structure of the SCS, several criteria was assessed to determine suitability for factor analysis, including bivariate correlations, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy, and Bartlett’s test of Sphericity. Composite scores were computed and internal consistency was assessed by conducting Cronbach Alpha reliability estimates. We tested convergent validity by identifying associations between the SCS and relational and psychological health measures. Finally, using the dyadic sample, we also tested a structural equation model using the SCS on both partners' sleep hygiene and sleep quality. Results Results revealed that the SCS fit a one factor solution of five items and that a summed or mean score can be used. The SCS demonstrated excellent internal reliability and external validity when compared to other relational and psychological measures. Finally, higher sleep conflict was associated with worse sleep hygiene and poorer sleep quality for both partners. Conclusion The analyses provided support that the SCS scale is a psychometrically sound measure, in that it demonstrates a single factor structure, is highly reliability, and is qualitatively different than other couple or sleep-related measures. The SCS can be used in both primary and secondary care settings to identify couples who would benefit from relational intervention especially when sleep adherence is low. Support (if any)