Catastrophization process and themes of worry in shift workers

Abstract

This study constitutes the first step toward exploring the themes of worry related to sleep in shift workers. More specifically, this study aimed to (1) examine the presence of catastrophization, (2) define the themes of worry, and (3) explore the relationship between catastrophization and sleep difficulties. The sample included 47 participants shift workers (mean age: 35.0%; 87.2% women), 25 with shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) and 22 good sleepers. A semi-structured interview for sleep difficulties was administered. Participants wore an actigraph and completed sleep diaries during two weeks. Self-report questionnaires measuring pre-sleep content of thought were completed. The castastrophizing technique was conducted by a qualified graduate student in psychology. Data were entered and qualitative analysis was performed. Regression analyse was made to test the third objective. Thirty-six participants (77%) reported two catastrophes or more. More frequently reported themes were concerning fatigue and level of energy (64%), mood issues (44%), work performance (44%) and errors (44%). The presence of sleep difficulties does not predict the number of catastrophizing steps (â = .215, t = 1.474, p = .147). The education level explained 22% of variance of the number of catastrophizing steps. These results suggest that shift workers tend to catastrophize in pre-sleep period. While certain themes of worry resemble those find in studies on insomniacs, elderly and children populations, it appears that some themes are characteristics of shift workers.