The impact of social constraints on insomnia among African-American breast cancer survivors: The mediating role of fear of recurrence.

Objective: Insomnia is a significant concern among African-American breast cancer survivors (BCS). Social constraints (SC)-receiving unsupportive or critical responses when expressing trauma-related emotions-and fear of recurrence (FOR) have been associated with insomnia. We examined FOR as a mediator in the relationship between SC and insomnia in African-American BCS. We hypothesized a direct effect of SC on insomnia, and an indirect effect of SC on insomnia through FOR.

Methods: Sixty-four African-American BCS completed a questionnaire assessing demographics, clinical characteristics, SC, FOR, and insomnia. Participants were an average of M = 8.41 (SD = 5.8) year survivors. The mediation was tested using PROCESS for SPSS.

Results: The direct effect of SC on insomnia was significant (direct effect = .17, SE = .08, P = .04). Moreover, the indirect effect of SC on insomnia through FOR was significant (indirect effect = .19, SE = .10, 95% CI = .05, .41).

Conclusions: Experiencing SC from family and friends could produce cognitions that impact sleep for BCS, and FOR could be one of those cognitions. Family-based models of care that emphasize the emotional needs of survivors and families could be a relevant strategy to address the SC that impacts sleep.