Muller J, Guse T, Ntozini A. Parental experiences of subjective well-being in the context of infant sleep problems.
J Reprod Infant Psychol 2024;
42:540-549. [PMID:
36047577 DOI:
10.1080/02646838.2022.2115471]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
This study explored parental experiences of subjective well-being in the context of infant sleep problems.
BACKGROUND
Although quantitative research has highlighted the deleterious impact of infant sleep problems for parental well-being broadly, little is known about subjective experiences of well-being specifically.
METHOD
This retrospective qualitative study formed part of a larger multiphase project. Ten parents who approached a sleep consultancy for assistance with infant sleep problems participated in the study. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and results were analysed thematically.
RESULTS
Two key themes were identified: (1) the negative influences of insufficient sleep on parental subjective well-being, and (2) the indirect influence of infant sleep problems on parental subjective well-being. Participants highlighted the direct influence of insufficient sleep on their life satisfaction, affect and mood. Further, through its impact on infant well-being and behaviour, and the loss of free time, infant sleep problems indirectly negatively influenced parental subjective well-being. As a result, life satisfaction and affect was deleteriously influenced.
CONCLUSION
Parental subjective well-being may be deleteriously influenced by infant sleep problems, both directly through insufficient sleep and indirectly through the impact of infant sleep problems.
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