Which study provides support for the Strength of Restoration Theory?

The study by Shapiro et al. provides support for the Strength of Restoration Theory by demonstrating how the body recovers after extreme physical exertion, such as in ultra-marathon running. The Strength of Restoration Theory posits that sleep serves to restore the body and mind, particularly after periods of intense activity. Shapiro and colleagues monitored the sleep patterns and physical recovery of ultra-marathon runners post-race, finding that these runners required more sleep for recovery compared to their usual patterns. This clearly aligns with the concept of sleep being essential for bodily restoration following strenuous activities.

The other options, while related to sleep and psychological processes, do not specifically address the restorative functions of sleep in the context of physical recovery from extreme exertion, which is central to understanding the Strength of Restoration Theory. For instance, Freud's analysis of dreams focuses on the interpretation of dreams rather than the restorative aspect of sleep itself, Dement and Kleitman's investigation is more about sleep cycles and dream states, and theories on sleep deprivation mostly discuss the detrimental effects of lacking sleep rather than its restorative properties. Thus, Shapiro et al.'s findings give a clear example of how sleep aids in the recovery process, reinforcing the principles of the Strength of Restoration Theory.