The Association Between Child Abuse and Sleep Problems in Adolescents: Moderated Mediation Effects of Depression and Perceived Teacher Support

Abstract

This study examined the mediating role of depression in the relationship between child abuse and sleep problems, as well as the potential buffering effect of perceived teacher support. A total of 793 adolescents (mean age = 16.50 ± 1.29 years, 53.6% female) were recruited from eight middle schools and seven high schools in South Korea in October 2023. Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing their experiences of child abuse, depression, sleep problems, and perceived teacher support. Data analysis, conducted using SPSS version 29.0, revealed a positive correlation between child abuse and sleep problems, with depression fully mediating this relationship. In addition, perceived teacher support moderated the link between child abuse and depression, suggesting that higher levels of teacher support alleviated the negative psychological impact of abuse. However, the cross-sectional nature of the study limits causal interpretations, and reliance on self-reported data may introduce bias. These findings indicate that adolescent sleep problems may stem from child abuse, mediated by depression, while perceived teacher support serves as a protective factor. Enhancing teacher support systems could be a valuable intervention strategy to reduce the risk of depression and sleep disturbances among adolescents with a history of abuse.