A Longitudinal Study of the Relationships between Sleep Problems in Autistic Children and Maternal Mental Health
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| Title: | A Longitudinal Study of the Relationships between Sleep Problems in Autistic Children and Maternal Mental Health |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Baker, Emma K. (ORCID |
| Source: | Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. Oct 2023 27(7):1891-1905. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 15 |
| Publication Date: | 2023 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Young Children, Mothers, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mental Health, Sleep, Problems, Relationship, Mental Disorders, Foreign Countries, Change, Educational Attainment, Time Perspective |
| Geographic Terms: | Australia |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613221147397 |
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: | Autistic children experience a high rate of sleep problems, which have been associated with maternal mental health difficulties. However, the directionality of these relationships has received little attention. The extent to which children's sleep problems influence maternal mental health difficulties and vice versa remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the bidirectional relationships between the sleep problems of autistic children and maternal mental health difficulties over 12 years. Six biennial waves of longitudinal data from when children were 4 to 5 years old were drawn from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. The sample comprised 397 child-mother dyads. Maternal mental health was assessed with the Kessler-6, while sleep problems were assessed through a series of questions relating to common sleep problems in children. The results demonstrated significant bidirectional effects between maternal mental health and child sleep problems at key developmental transition time points. Specifically, when children transitioned from preschool to primary school and again when the children transitioned from primary school to high school. These findings highlight the need for increased support for both the child and mother at these critical time points to reduce the negative impact of maternal psychological distress on child sleep problems and vice versa. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2023 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1393060 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Autistic children experience a high rate of sleep problems, which have been associated with maternal mental health difficulties. However, the directionality of these relationships has received little attention. The extent to which children's sleep problems influence maternal mental health difficulties and vice versa remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the bidirectional relationships between the sleep problems of autistic children and maternal mental health difficulties over 12 years. Six biennial waves of longitudinal data from when children were 4 to 5 years old were drawn from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. The sample comprised 397 child-mother dyads. Maternal mental health was assessed with the Kessler-6, while sleep problems were assessed through a series of questions relating to common sleep problems in children. The results demonstrated significant bidirectional effects between maternal mental health and child sleep problems at key developmental transition time points. Specifically, when children transitioned from preschool to primary school and again when the children transitioned from primary school to high school. These findings highlight the need for increased support for both the child and mother at these critical time points to reduce the negative impact of maternal psychological distress on child sleep problems and vice versa. |
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| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613221147397 |
