Invisible Wounds: Insomnia Among Psychologically Maltreated Adolescents and Gender Differences

ABSTRACT Despite the growing recognition of the impact of child maltreatment on insomnia, there is limited research focusing on insomnia in adolescents with child psychological maltreatment (CPM). This study aimed to examine the prevalence and correlates of insomnia among psychologically maltreated adolescents and gender differences. Cross‐sectional data from 3698 Chinese adolescents with CPM (mean age = 13.90 years; 60.0% girls) were used. Data on sociodemographic factors, childhood adversities, depression, anxiety, social support, self‐compassion and insomnia severity were gathered using self‐reported questionnaires. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the predictors of insomnia and possible gender differences. Results showed that about 50.4% of the adolescents with CPM experienced insomnia of different severity. Girls exhibited higher rates of insomnia than boys. Among girls, the presence of siblings was correlated with an increased risk of insomnia. For both genders, older age, lower levels of self‐compassion and social support, and more symptoms of depression and anxiety were linked to a higher risk of insomnia. The study indicated that the prevalence of insomnia among Chinese adolescents with CPM was high, especially in girls, which warrants further attention. Factors (e.g., self‐compassion) related to insomnia should be considered. Gender‐specific and culturally informed strategies could be incorporated when designing interventions.