The Evolution of Sleep-Onset Latency Problems: An Experimental Investigation of Pre-Sleep Cognition and Attribution in People With Cancer

Taylor, Lynne M (2000) The Evolution of Sleep-Onset Latency Problems: An Experimental Investigation of Pre-Sleep Cognition and Attribution in People With Cancer. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Objective. Cognitive arousal is associated with insomnia and sleep problems often develop following stressful life events, such as a cancer diagnosis. However, cognitive arousal in this population group has not been widely investigated. The aim of this study therefore, is to review the main literature in these areas and to generate additional questions for future research. Methods. Electronic databases and bibliographies of review articles were searched for studies into the areas of relevance for this review. Results. Investigation of the insomnia literature in the general population suggests that presleep cognition and attribution play a role in the development of insomnia. Studies into insomnia and cancer were sparse and of variable quality but nevertheless highlighted a high incidence of sleep disturbance within this population group. Sleep disturbance in cancer populations is thought to be related to medical variables although the insomnia literature suggests that cognition and attribution may be the primary cause of sleep disturbance within this population group. Conclusions. Research is required to establish whether cognition and attribution is related to the development of sleep disturbance following stressful life events such as cancer. The emotional Stroop task was proposed as a potential measure for assessing cognition and attribution in insomnia. This could have implications for the mechanisms involved in the evolution of sleep problems and for the type of psychological intervention that would be effective in preventing the development of sleep disturbance.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Adviser: Colin Espie
• Keywords: Clinical psychology, Experimental psychology
• Date of Award: 2000
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2000-76234
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 19 Nov 2019 16:15
• Last Modified: 19 Nov 2019 16:15
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/76234