Feasibility study exploring sleep impacts among families in the aftermath of firearm-related trauma

The ripple effects of gun violence are far reaching, particularly for children impacted by this trauma. Many of the available sources of mental health support in the wake of gun violence do not address disrupted sleep, which commonly develops as a consequence of loss.

We recruited adults for focus groups who are caregivers to a child or young adult impacted by loss due to gun violence from the Victim Support Services department of a police department in the US Southeast. The children to whom the adult provides care were required to be 13 years of age or younger. The aim of the focus groups was to understand sleep difficulties and ascertain the feasibility of a mindfulness-based behavioral intervention smartphone application (app) for sleep. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then analyzed in accordance with the constant comparison method.

The average age of caregivers in the sample (n = 8) was 50 years of age (s.d. = 8.9); 100% were female and 100% were Black/African American. Themes from the qualitative analysis suggested that caregivers experienced sleep difficulties that were intimately related to grief and trauma due to loss. Caregivers also described sleep difficulties in their children in the wake of loss. Participants provided favorable reactions to the mindfulness app as feasible and appropriate for families like them.

Focus groups revealed sleep difficulties among families impacted by loss due to gun violence. Reactions to the mindfulness app were positive. Future research should evaluate the impact of the mindfulness intervention on child and caregiver mental and sleep health.