The aim of this study was to assess whether or not there is an association between different types of affective personality and sleep quality. Ninety-one individuals, of whom 50 were healthy and 41 were patients with stress-related problems, responded to Positive and Negative Affect
Scales (PANAS; Watson, Clark, & Tellegen, 1988), Sleep Quality (SQ; Gillberg, 2004), Diurnal Type Scale (DTS; Thorsvall, Åkerstedt, 1980), Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HAD; Hermann, 1997), Life Orientation Test (LOT; Scheier, & Carver, 1985), Stress and Energy (SE; Kjellberg,
& Iwanowski, 1989) and sleep-related questions. Results indicated that Self-actualizing individuals (high PA and low NA) reported the best sleep quality particularly in comparison to Self-destructive individuals (low PA and high NA). Individuals with a low level of NA (Self-actualizing
and Low affective individuals) reported less stress. The High affective individuals (high PA and high NA) reported high levels of stress, high anxiety, as well as the second best quality of sleep and a high degree of optimism and energy. The results suggests that individuals who display high
positive affectivity, optimism and a high level of energy achieve a better sleep quality, and that this phenomenon may be true even when these individuals experience high levels of stress.
A Swedish widowhood study revealed that four out of ten widows regarded the pre-loss period more stressful than the post-loss. The present investigation of close relatives to patients dying from cancer (using interviews and the Anticipatory Grief Scale) found that preparatory grief involves much emotional stress, as intense preoccupation with the dying, longing for his/her former personality, loneliness, tearfulness, cognitive dysfunction, irritability, anger and social withdrawal, and a need to talk. Psychological status was bad one by every fifth. However, the relatives mostly stated adjustment and ability to mobilize strength to cope with the situation. The results suggest development of support and guiding programs also for the anticipatory period.
The use of alcohol and medications among Swedish widows was analyzed in relation to various background variables. In Total, 1053 widows (640 widows younger than 65 years and 413 widows older than 65 years) answered the questionnaire. Many reported increased fatigue and sleeping problems. Around one-third of the widows reported drinking alcohol for relief of grief and inadequate support. Association existed between grief and increased intake of sedatives and sleeping pills, and between grief and drinking for relief of grief, as well as increase in intake of sedatives. In widows older than 65 years, perception of bad health, negative outlook for the future, and insufficient support seemed to increase the risk of more sedatives and sleeping pills. Negative outlook for the future also tended to lead to a heightened risk for increased intake of alcohol. There seems to be remaining health problems a long time after bereavement, and counseling may be needed especially when drugs and alcohol are extensively used.
Close relatives of persons with dementia self-reported reactions on the Anticipatory Grief Scale (AGS), were observed by nurses (Study I), and compared with relatives of cancer patients in a study using the same methodology (Study II). Study I showed an overall stressful situation including feelings of missing and longing, inability to accept the terminal fact, preoccupation with the ill, tearfulness, sleeping problems, anger, loneliness, and a need to talk. The ability to cope was, however, reported high. Self-assessments and nurses' observations did not always converge, e.g. for the acceptance of the illness. The reactions of the relatives in the dementia and the cancer groups showed more similarities than dissimilarities. However, the higher number of responding spouses in the cancer group may have influenced the outcome.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.