Insomnia, Nightmare Frequency, and Nightmare Distress in Victims of Sexual Abuse: The Role of Abuse Characteristics and Perceived Social Support

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of abuse characteristics and perceived social support in self- reported insomnia, nightmare frequency and nightmare distress in victims of sexual abuse. Method. 460 sexual abuse victims in Norway completed a questionnaire assessing abuse characteristics, perceived social support, insomnia, nightmare frequency and nightmare distress, among other things. Results. Abuse involving intercourse was positively related to insomnia symptoms, while abuse duration was associated with fulfilment of the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria of insomnia. Abuse duration and having been threatened by the perpetrator were positively related to nightmare frequency, while threats and abuse involving intercourse were positively related to nightmare distress. Finally, perceived social support was negatively related to insomnia, nightmare frequency and nightmare distress. The results are discussed in relation to existing literature and theory.