The Role of Parental Attachment and Academic Stress in Predicting Adolescent Sleep Disturbance

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the predictive roles of parental attachment and academic stress on sleep disturbance among adolescents in Kenya. Methods and Materials: The study utilized a correlational descriptive design involving 382 high school students from Kenya, selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie sample size determination table. Standardized instruments were used to assess the variables: the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) for sleep disturbance, the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA) for parental attachment, and the Academic Stress Scale (ASS) for academic stress. Data were analyzed using SPSS-27. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between variables, and linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive effects of academic stress and parental attachment on sleep disturbance. Findings: The results revealed that academic stress was significantly and positively correlated with sleep disturbance (r = .46, p < .001), while parental attachment was significantly and negatively correlated with sleep disturbance (r = –.39, p < .001). The linear regression model indicated that both academic stress (β = .41, p < .001) and parental attachment (β = –.32, p < .001) were significant predictors of sleep disturbance, collectively explaining a meaningful proportion of the variance in sleep problems among adolescents (R² = .38, F(2, 379) = 115.88, p < .001). These findings suggest that academic stress increases the risk of sleep disturbances, whereas secure parental attachment serves as a protective factor. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant impact of academic stress and parental attachment on adolescent sleep disturbance. Interventions aimed at reducing academic stress and enhancing parent–child relationships may be effective in promoting healthier sleep patterns among adolescents.