The Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Sleep Problems among Adolescent Students: Mediation by Depression or Anxiety.

E-Jin Park,Kyu-In Jung,Min-Hyeon Park,Subin Park,Dajung Sung,Hayeon Kim,Seung-Yup Lee,Yeeun Kim,Yerin Hyun,Shin-Young Kim,Bora Kim,Bung-Nyun Kim

doi:10.3390/ijerph18010236

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are known to be closely related to depression, anxiety and sleep problems. However, it remains unclear whether adolescents with ACEs have sleep problems regardless of depression or anxiety or under a mediating effect from depression or anxiety. Therefore, our aim was to examine whether depression or anxiety mediates the relationship between ACEs and sleep problems in adolescents by using a community sample. The Early Trauma Inventory Self Report–Short Form (ETISR-SF) and List of Threatening Experiences Questionnaire (LTE-Q) were used to assess traumatic ACEs. Ultimately, data from 737 students (M = 448, F = 289, 15.1 ± 1.4 years old) were included in the statistical analysis. A total of 576 (78.1%) participants reported that they had experienced one or more ACEs. Adolescents with ACEs had higher levels of depression, anxiety and sleep problems than did adolescents without ACEs, and boys tended to experience more trauma than girls. Depression and anxiety partially mediated the relationship between ACEs and sleep problems. The results of this study suggest the need for depression and anxiety interventions for adolescents with ACEs to reduce the long-term consequences, including sleep problems and physical health problems.

Highlights

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are defined as any potentially stressful or traumatic events that occur prior to the age of 18 years [1]
“ACEs” are often used interchangeably, but the latter includes trauma experienced by a child who has been subjected to abuse and a slightly broader range of trauma that encompasses parental imprisonment, parental mental disorder, parental drug addiction, violence against the mother, family poverty and bullying
This study revealed dose-response relationships between ACEs and sleep problems, and the result was consistent with a previous study by Chapman et al reporting a doseresponse relationship between ACEs and sleep problems [9]

Summary

Introduction

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are defined as any potentially stressful or traumatic events that occur prior to the age of 18 years [1]. The terms “child abuse” and “ACEs” are often used interchangeably, but the latter includes trauma experienced by a child who has been subjected to abuse and a slightly broader range of trauma that encompasses parental imprisonment, parental mental disorder, parental drug addiction, violence against the mother, family poverty and bullying. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define ACEs as follows: adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0–17 years), for example, experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect; witnessing violence in the home or community; and having a family member attempt or die by suicide. Aspects of the child’s environment that can undermine their sense of safety, stability, and bonding, such as growing up in a 4.0/).

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion