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A psychological pathway from insomnia to depression among older adults

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 May 2013

Paul Sadler ,
Suzanne McLaren  and
Megan Jenkins
Paul Sadler*
Affiliation:
School of Health Sciences, University of Ballarat, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
Suzanne McLaren
Affiliation:
School of Health Sciences, University of Ballarat, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
Megan Jenkins
Affiliation:
School of Health Sciences, University of Ballarat, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Paul Sadler, School of Health Sciences, University of Ballarat, PO Box 663, Ballarat 3353, Victoria, Australia. Phone: +61 (03) 5327 9000; Fax: +61 (03) 5327 9704. Email: [email protected].
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Abstract

Background: Higher levels of insomnia predict greater depression severity among older adults; however, the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship are unclear. This study tested a path model that explored whether dysfunctional beliefs about sleep and hopelessness mediated the relationship from insomnia to depression. It was hypothesized that insomnia would predict depression, both directly and indirectly, via dysfunctional beliefs about sleep and hopelessness.

Methods: A community sample of 218 independent-living Australian older adults aged from 65 to 96 years completed a self-report questionnaire package. From the initial 218 participants, 171 completed a measure of depression three months later.

Results: Path analysis demonstrated that maladaptive sleep beliefs and hopelessness partly explained how insomnia influenced depression, irrespective of the presence of obstructive sleep apnea and/or restless legs syndrome.

Conclusions: An older adult's beliefs about sleep and sense of hopelessness were important psychological factors that helped explain how insomnia related to depression.

Keywords

insomniadysfunctional beliefs about sleephopelessnessdepressionolder adults
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 25 , Issue 8: Elder abuse an international perspective , August 2013 , pp. 1375 - 1383
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2013 

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