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Coping with a major stressor: differences between habitual short- and longer-sleepers
R A Hicks1, C M Marical, P A Conti
1Department of Psychology, San Jose State University, CA 95192.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Short-sleepers employed more coping strategies when facing earthquake stress. Their responses aligned with previous research on sleep patterns and coping mechanisms, suggesting distinct psychological responses to trauma.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sleep Science
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- The 1989 San Francisco earthquake presented a significant stressor.
- Previous research (Hartmann, Baekeland, & Zwilling, 1972) suggested links between sleep patterns and psychological responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the coping strategies of short-sleepers and longer-sleepers.
- To examine coping mechanisms in response to the San Francisco earthquake stress.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Ways of Coping Questionnaire with eight scales.
- Surveyed 39 short-sleepers and 33 longer-sleepers.
- Analyzed responses related to the 1989 earthquake.
Main Results:
- Short-sleepers scored significantly higher on the Ways of Coping Questionnaire.
- The coping strategy patterns of short-sleepers were consistent with prior research inferences.
Conclusions:
- Short-sleepers may utilize a broader range of coping strategies under stress.
- Sleep duration may influence psychological responses to major stressful events like earthquakes.