Abstract
BackgroundRepetitive negative thinking—and worry as a common variant—have been suggested to be transdiagnostic maintaining factors of psychopathology in refugees. Using an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) approach, this study tested the feasibility of EMA and the hypothesis of a self-reinforcing relationship (a) between worry and affect and (b) between worry and sleep in refugees. Additionally, we examined whether worry interacts with postmigration stress to impact on affect and sleep.MethodsFor 1 week, 45 trauma-exposed Afghan refugees received five prompts per day asking them to report on momentary levels of worrying and negative as well as positive affect. In addition, sleep quality was assessed in the morning and the occurrence of postmigration stress at night.ResultsOur findings did not indicate a bidirectional relationships (a) between worry and affective experiences and (b) between worry and poor sleep quality. However, worry experienced on a given day predicted increased negative affect on the next day; in turn, positive affect predicted decreased worrying on the next day. Hypotheses on the interaction between worry and stress in predicting affect and sleep were not supported.ConclusionThese preliminary findings suggest unidirectional effects of daily worry on negative affect and positive affect on daily worry. However, the low compliance rate and the small sample size precludes drawing firm conclusions. Implications for further EMA research among refugees are discussed.
Highlights
In response to the unprecedented numbers of refugees being forcibly displaced as well as consistent evidence for elevated rates of psychological disorders in this group, research on refugee mental health has advanced significantly in recent years (Turrini et al 2017)
The current study focused on affective experience and sleep as possible antecedents and consequences of worry
Worry experienced on a given day predicted increased negative affect on the day; in turn, positive affect predicted decreased worrying on the day
Summary
In response to the unprecedented numbers of refugees being forcibly displaced as well as consistent evidence for elevated rates of psychological disorders in this group, research on refugee mental health has advanced significantly in recent years (Turrini et al 2017). In contrast to other refugee populations (e.g., those originating from Syria), Afghan refugees have been underrepresented in research on refugee mental health, possibly due to challenges such as relatively low average levels of education, unstable living conditions in exile and multiple, chronic traumatization. Repetitive negative thinking—and worry as a common variant—have been suggested to be transdiagnostic maintaining factors of psychopathology in refugees. We examined whether worry interacts with postmigration stress to impact on affect and sleep. Methods For 1 week, 45 trauma-exposed Afghan refugees received five prompts per day asking them to report on momentary levels of worrying and negative as well as positive affect. Conclusion These preliminary findings suggest unidirectional effects of daily worry on negative affect and positive affect on daily worry.
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