Research Update (June)
Hello! It is with much excitement that we send you an update on some preliminary results of our research study! Based on data from the baseline survey, our team presented 3 research projects at the Psychology Poster Session at Wesleyan University (http://newsletter.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2017/05/05/students-present-academic-research-at-several-poster-sessions/).
1. “All the Single Ladies!” Differences in Sexual Activity, Sleep Problems, and Motivations for Physical Activity Among Single and Coupled University Students
Participants were 127 (Mean age = 20.33 years old, SD = 1.30) participants from the Battle of the Clocks study, who were grouped into one of three relationship status groups: ‘single and not wanting to date’, ‘single and wanting to date’, and ‘in a coupled/exclusive relationship’.
Results demonstrated that single females who are not wanting to date reported significantly less sleep problems, were less likely to engage in sexual activity, and were less likely to endorse the appearance-motive for physical activity (i.e., exercising for the purpose of looking good), relative to females in a coupled relationship.
Among males, however, relationship status does not seem to matter for sleep disturbances and frequency of sexual activity.
These results show that motives for physical activity, perceived sleep problems, and frequency of sexual activity vary as a function of gender and relationship status among emerging adults at university. Results also highlight the fact that it is important to distinguish among single individuals based on a their perceived desire to date.
2. Chronotype Differences in Nomophobia, Procrastination, and Sleep among Emerging Adults at University
Participants were 146 participants from the Battle of the Clocks study (Mean age = 20.29 years old, SD = 1.27; 67.6% female)
Evening-types reported higher Nomophobia (i.e., greater fear of being without their Smartphones) had poorer time management skills, took longer to fall asleep, and reported more perceived sleep problems relative to morning-types.
Evening-types may experience asynchrony between their “biological” and “social” clocks, and thus may experience more difficulty in managing academic and social demands.
University students (especially Evening-types) could benefit from the opportunity to attend classes and complete academic tasks at times that align more closely with their biological clocks.
3. Physical Activity and Mental Health among University Students: Does Being a Student-Athlete Matter?
Participants were 146 participants from the Battle of the Clocks study (Mean age = 20.29 years old, 67.6% female)
Results from hierarchical regression models showed that higher frequency of high-intensity physical activity was associated with lower anxiety scores, but only among student-athletes (and not among non-athletes)
These findings suggest that the context in which high-intensity physical activity takes place matters for mental health among university students
Engagement in athletics at university (particularly team sports) may provide increased opportunities for socializing and emotional support, which may alleviate anxiety.
This summer, we will continue to analyze the questionnaire data from Part 1 and begin analyzing the objective data from Part 2. We want to thank you so much for your continued support and past donations that made this research possible. Be on the lookout for our July update!
Best wishes,
S.P.A Lab Team
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