Development of a Short Version of the Dysfunctional Beliefs about Sleep Questionnaire for use with Children (DBAS-C10)

Abstract

Development of a Short Version of the Dysfunctional Beliefs about Sleep Questionnaire for use with Children (DBAS-C10) Background: Dysfunctional beliefs about sleep (DBAS) contribute to sleep problems. There is urgent need to develop a questionnaire addressing these beliefs in children. We aimed to develop and assess the psychometric properties of a short version of the DBAS for use with children (DBAS-C10), adapted from the previous child and adult versions. Methods: Data were collected in 134 year 6/7 students [mean (SD) age = 12.73 y (.09y)] who completed the DBAS-C10 twice, either before and after a sleep education intervention (n=91) or before and after curriculum as usual (n=43). Exploratory factor analysis and validity testing were undertaken. Results: Three factors emerged (1) Beliefs about the immediate negative consequences of insomnia (items 1;6;7;9) (2) Beliefs about the long-term negative consequences of insomnia (items 2, 3;5;8) (3) Need to control the insomnia (items 4;10). In effect, only one difference from the adult factor structure resulted, item 2 moved from short term consequences to long term consequences of insomnia. Internal consistency of the scale was good (0.71), and the test retest reliability (when the questionnaire was completed 5-7 weeks apart) suggested consistency of responses. The questionnaire showed small sensitivity to change post intervention. Conclusions: This scale has acceptable psychometric properties and could be used to investigate dysfunctional beliefs in children and potentially detect changes in sleep related cognitions in children in treatment interventions.