Date of Award

Summer 2007

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

First Advisor

Donna Thomas

Abstract

Research investigating the effectiveness of treatments for inmates with poor sleep quality appears minimal. Some difficulties related to poor sleep quality can be addressed effectively with little time and expense. Studies show that psychoeducational interventions are effective in reducing sleep complaints and improving sleep quality in a variety of populations including college students and adults. However, the effect of sleep hygiene interventions on inmate sleep complaints is unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate a psychoeducational intervention program aimed at improving prison inmate sleep habits, length, and quality.

Participants of this study were inmates at a department of corrections facility for men in the southern United States. Using the Sleep Quality Index, the Sleep Habits Questionnaire; the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Sleep Hygiene Awareness and Practice Scale the effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention program aimed at improving sleep quality, length, and habits for inmates was evaluated using multivariate analysis of variance. Results revealed that the intervention program did not have a significant impact on sleep quality, length, or habits for study participants. However, inmates in this sample had a higher rate of sleep disturbances and poor sleep quality than reported in previous studies with adults and college student populations. This finding suggests a need for effective sleep hygiene interventions in the prison environment.

Download

Share

COinS