The relationships between self-efficacy, self-control, chronotype, procrastination and sleep problems in young adults

Personal and social resources in the context of adolescent sleep

OBJECTIVE

The existing literature has focused little on the health-promoting role of resources for sleep. Mainly risk factors have been highlighted regarding mental health in general. Moreover, for the vulnerable age group of adolescents, resources and their relation to sleep have hardly been explored. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the predictive role of personal/social resources for the likelihood of having chronic sleep problems in adolescents.

METHODS AND MEASURES

A sample of n = 131 adolescents (M = 14.31 years, SD = 1.84) completed the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children and the Questionnaire to Assess Resources for Children and Adolescents at two measurement points about 8 months apart.

RESULTS

Binomial logistic regressions controlling for age and sex revealed that higher levels of personal and social resources were associated with a lower likelihood of having chronic sleep problems. Especially optimism and school integration were associated with not experiencing chronic sleep problems.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, this study highlighted multiple resources and their health-promoting role in adolescent sleep. Both personal and social resources seem to be relevant for preventing adolescents from chronic sleep problems. Prevention and intervention programs for sleep disorders in teenagers should especially promote optimism and school integration.

Analyzing the effects of physical activity levels on aggressive behavior in college students using a chain-mediated model

This study aims to examine the mediating role of self-efficacy (SE) and self-control (SC) in the relationship between physical activity (PA) and aggressive behaviors (AB) among college students. It provides a basis for the prevention and control of AB among college students. This study employed a survey research methodology, including the PA Level Scale, the General Self-efficacy Scale, the Self-control Scale, and the Chinese Aggressive Behaviors Scale on 950 college students. The chain mediating effect test and Bootstrap analysis were applied. The results were as follows: (1) There was a main effect of PA on SE, SC, and AB as well as all sub-indicators (physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, hostility, self-directed aggression), i.e., PA had a direct effect on the control of all three; (2) PA level was significantly negatively correlated with AB and significantly positively correlated with SE and SC. That is, the higher the level of PA, the better the SE and SC, and the lower the probability of AB; (3) The three pathways had mediating effects: PA → SE → AB, PA → SC → AB, PA → SE → SC → AB, with effect sizes of 8.78%, 28.63%, and 19.08%, respectively. It is concluded that regular PA is a potent method for decreasing aggressive behavior and psychological issues in university students while additionally promoting self-efficacy and self-control. Increasing the intensity of PA may enhance the effectiveness of these chain benefits.

Validation of the Chinese version of the Sleep Regularity Questionnaire (SRQ) and analysis of influencing factors

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is no instrument to measure sleep regularity in China. In this study, the Sleep Regularity Questionnaire（SRQ） was translated into Chinese, tested for reliability and validity, and analyzed for factors affecting sleep regularity.

METHODS

The English version of the SRQ was translated into Chinese, and a total of 3642 individuals were included in this research. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to examine the underlying factor structure of the Chinese version of the SRQ and to measure its reliability and validity. In addition, the correlations between sleep regularity and general information, personal habits, self-control, stress, anxiety, and depression were explored.

RESULTS

The Cronbach's α of the Chinese SRQ was 0.858, supporting the two-factor structure. Sleep regularity was statistically different between gender and ethnicity (p < 0.05), and personal habits (exercise, continued eating after dinner, smoking and drinking) had an effect on sleep regularity. Sleep regularity was positively associated with individual self-control and negatively associated with stress, anxiety, and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The Chinese version of the SRQ has excellent reliability and validity. There are two dimensions, namely circadian regularity and sleep continuity regularity, which can be used to assess the sleep regularity of Chinese adults. The results of this study showed that males and Han Chinese having better sleep regularity. And people with good lifestyle habits and greater self-control sleep more regularly, while stress, anxiety and depression can affect individuals' sleep regularity.

Examining the relationship between bedtime procrastination and personality traits in Chinese college students: the mediating role of self-regulation skills

Objective: Personality traits are commonly used to explain individual differences in procrastinatory behavior. This study aims to examine the relationship between bedtime procrastination (BP) and personality traits, and to understand the role of self-regulation skills in this relationship. Participants: We recruited 294 college students. Methods: Data were collected through standardized questionnaires to evaluate BP, personality traits, and self-control (a main indicator of self-regulation skills). Results: Correlation analysis showed that BP was positively correlated with the psychoticism and neuroticism dimensions of Eysenck's personality. Hierarchical regression and structural equation modeling analyses further revealed that psychoticism and neuroticism predicted BP directly and indirectly via self-control. Conclusions: BP has a significant relationship with Eysenck's personality traits, particularly, with some dimensions that directly and indirectly predict BP through self-regulation skills. Therefore, individualized intervention strategies based on personality traits and self-regulation skills should be integrated in measures used to reduce BP behaviors among college students.

Effect of short video addiction on the sleep quality of college students: chain intermediary effects of physical activity and procrastination behavior

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of short video addiction on college students' sleep quality and to elucidate the mechanism underlying this relationship. Thus, we examined the correlation between short video addiction and sleep quality and analyzed the roles of physical activity and procrastination.

Methods

The Short Video Addiction Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Aitken Procrastination Inventory, and Physical Activity Rating Scale were administered to 337 college students. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0. Pearson's correlation analysis and mediation analysis using the bootstrapping test were performed for the standard method bias test.

Results

(1) Overall, 25.2% of college students had problems with sleep quality (indicated by a PSQI score ≥ 8). (2) Short video addiction score is positively correlated with college students' sleep quality score; procrastination score was positively associated with both short video addiction score and sleep quality score, and physical activity score was negatively associated with them. (3) Short video addiction significantly positive predicted sleep quality (β = 0.458, P < 0.001), a significant negative predictive effect on physical exercise (β = -0.183, P < 0.001), and a significant positive effect on procrastination behavior (β = 0.246, P < 0.001). After physical exercise and procrastination behavior were entered into the regression equation, short video addiction and procrastination were significantly positive predictors of sleep quality, and physical activity was significantly negative predictor of sleep quality. (4) After accounting for the variables of age, gender, and grade, physical activity and procrastination behaviors independently mediated the association between short-video addiction and sleep quality. Physical activity and procrastination behavior acted as chain mediators in the association between short video addiction and sleep quality, with a chain mediation effect percentage of 1.04%. Short video addiction directly affects college students' sleep quality, indirectly through physical activity and procrastination behavior.

Anxious and depressive symptoms mediate the influence of sleep quality on suicidality in young adults

This study investigated how sleep quality affects the global severity of psychiatric symptoms, including suicidality, in young adults. Poor sleep quality has a significant impact on mental health and should therefore be given special attention in suicidal treatment. 1,214 participants (914 females; age: M = 25.81, SD = 6.35) completed the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), the Scale for Suicidal Experience and Behavior (SSEV), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) via an online survey. Correlation statistics and path analysis were conducted for data evaluation. Thereby, anxiety and depression but not somatization mediated the relationship between sleep quality and suicidality. Our findings confirm the putative link between diminished sleep quality and increased suicidality and may lead to an early detection of suicidal behavior.

Investigating the reciprocity between cognition and behavior in adaptation to large-scale disasters

Cognition and behavior could reciprocally impact each other and together determine mental health amid large-scale disasters such as COVID-19. This study reports a six-month cohort study of a population-representative sample of Hong Kong residents (N = 906) from March-August 2021 (T1) to September 2021-February 2022 (T2). Cross-lagged panel analyses reveal that T1 poor behavioral functioning as indicated by high daily routine disruptions is inversely associated with T2 cognitive adaptation as indicated by self-efficacy and meaning-making but not vice versa. T1 routine disruptions but not cognitive adaptation are positively associated with T2 probable depression/anxiety. The positive link between T1 routine disruptions and T2 probable disorders is mediated by poor cognitive adaptation at T2. The present findings suggest that upholding daily behavioral functioning relative to positive states of mind could have a more pivotal role in mental health amid large-scale disasters. Future studies can test interventions that enhance the sustainment of regular daily routines.

Analysis, evaluation, and reformulation of social cognitive theory: Toward parent-child shared management in sleep health

THEORETICAL PRINCIPLES

Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) is a middle-range theory with triadic determinism between behavioral, environmental, and personal. SCT has been a guiding framework in health promotion research as it helps understand people's behaviors.

PHENOMENA ADDRESSED

Behavioral Insomnia of Childhood (BIC) is highly prevalent, affecting up to 45% of typically developing children and 80% of children with special healthcare needs. BIC leads to sleep deficiency, disrupted physical and psychological health, poor school performance, behavioral dysfunction, and negatively affects parental and family functioning. Using Fawcett's framework, we analyzed and evaluated SCT in a pediatric sleep context and propose a reformulation of SCT to better inform sleep research.

RESEARCH LINKAGES

SCT is individually focused and does not account for interdependence within relationships. Pediatric sleep interventions have limited long-term effects and sustainability without considering the parent-child dyadic interdependency. We advance the argument that the parent-child shared management (PCSM) perspective is beneficial for understanding pediatric sleep health. PCSM is a concept that reflects the shared responsibility and interdependence that parent and child have for managing child health. It assumes that with parents' ongoing support, children's responsibility for their health management increases over time, along with developmental progression and health-related experiences. We propose reformulating SCT by integrating PCSM in the pediatric sleep context: SCT with Shared Management (SCT-SM). The proposed SCT-SM accounts for parent-child interdependence and role transition. Shared management interventions that engage parents and children in active roles in managing sleep have potential sustainable effects in improving sleep and quality of life. (250).

To each their own: a review of individual differences and metaphorical perspectives on time

How do people talk-and potentially think-about abstract concepts? Supported by abundant linguistic evidence, Conceptual Metaphor Theory posits that people draw upon concrete concepts to structure abstract ones via metaphorical connections. Often, the source domain for a metaphor draws upon embodied physical experience, as in the time is space system, whereby representations in the domain of time are thought to arise from experiences of navigating through, orienting within, and observing motion in space. In recent years, psychological evidence has suggested that the connections between space and time are indeed conceptual; however, many gaps in our understanding of the workings of metaphor remain. Notably, until recently, the unique variations in the ways in which people experience metaphor have been largely overlooked, with much research falling prey to what Dąbrowska has identified as one of the 'deadly sins' of cognitive linguistics: to ignore individual differences. By focusing on two widely studied metaphors for time, Moving Time and Moving Ego, this review article shines a spotlight on the varied ways in which people draw on their embodied and enculturated experiences, along with 'human experience' on an individual level and the contexts within which they use metaphor. In doing so, it highlights the importance for metaphoric conceptualization of variation across languages, across contexts, and across individuals, suggesting that while the use and interpretation of metaphor may begin with cross-domain connections, they are but part of the story.

Impact of Self-Efficacy and Perfectionism on Academic Procrastination among University Students in Pakistan

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of self-efficacy and perfectionism on academic procrastination among university students and its differences among genders in Pakistan. It was hypothesized that self-efficacy and perfectionism would significantly impact academic procrastination and that there is a significant difference in students' views concerning their gender. The sample comprised 405 university students, 104 male and 301 female. The study used the general self-efficacy scale, the multidimensional perfectionism scale, and the academic procrastination scale to measure the constructs. SmartPLS 4 was applied for the analysis of the data. The results indicated that all three variables-self-efficacy, perfectionism, and academic procrastination-were present among university students. Perfectionism showed a significant effect on academic procrastination. However, self-efficacy showed no significant effect on academic procrastination. Further, no significant difference was found in students' views concerning their gender. The findings provide significant evidence for stakeholders to improve academic procrastination among university students.

Chronotype and quality of sleep in alpine skiers

Alpine skiing is among the most demanding sporting activities in terms of physical effort and mental workload. The aim of the study was to compare sleep quality and chronotype distribution between 84 highly trained alpine skiers and a control sample of 84 non-athletes matched by age and sex ratio. Quality of sleep was assessed by the Pittsburgh Quality of Sleep Index (PSQI), and chronotype was assessed by the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Additional questions assessed sleep management during training or competitions. The results showed a marked skewed chronotype distribution towards morningness in alpine skiers (52.4% morning type, 42.8% intermediate, and 4.8% evening type) in comparison to the control group. The midpoint of sleep was significantly anticipated among alpine skiers. Differently from the previous literature that showed poor sleep quality and quantity in competitive athletes, the quality and quantity of sleep in alpine skiers was within the normal range in all the PSQI subcomponents.

Forgiving lark, resentful owl: Self-control mediates the relationship between chronotype and forgiveness

Considerable evidence shows that nocturnal chronotypes have increased odds of mental health problems, poor academic performance, and impairment in executive functions. Although the cognitive and health costs of evening-oriented preference are well-documented in the literature, little is known about its interpersonal costs. In this article, we propose that people with a preference for an evening chronotype show a lower tendency to forgive following an interpersonal offense because of their lower self-control ability. Three studies using independent samples and complementary measures reveal that morning-evening preference plays a role in the emergence of forgiveness, which provides support for our theoretical perspective. In Study 1, we found that evening-type students were less forgiving when responding to a transgression than morning-type students. Employing a longer measure of forgiveness and a more representative population, Study 2 replicated our initial findings and supported our hypothesis regarding the mediating role of self-control. To circumvent methodological issues associated with self-report data, Study 3 used a behavioral measure of forgiveness and revealed that chronotype can also predict actual forgiving behavior in a laboratory setting. Together, these findings suggest that diurnal preference towards eveningness not only imposes threats on people's health, but can also incur interpersonal costs.

The relationship between sleep quality and occupational well-being in employees: The mediating role of occupational self-efficacy

Objective

This study aimed to examine the impact of sleep quality on occupational well-being in employees by primarily focusing on the mediating role of occupational self-efficacy.

Methods

A total of 487 junior staff completed a set of questionnaires comprised Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scale, Occupational Self-efficacy Scale, and occupational well-being measurements.

Results

The results revealed that both sleep quality and occupational self-efficacy were significantly correlated with occupational well-being. The structural equation modeling analysis and the bootstrap test indicated that occupational self-efficacy partially mediated the effect of poor sleep quality on occupational well-being.

Discussion

These findings expand upon existing research on the relationship between sleep quality and well-being among occupational workers, shed light on the correlation of poor sleep quality with occupational well-being, and are valuable in promoting the occupational well-being of employees.

Go to bed! A systematic review and meta-analysis of bedtime procrastination correlates and sleep outcomes

Bedtime procrastination is defined as the volitional delay of going to bed, without any external circumstances causing the delay, and is associated with inadequate sleep. Alleviating bedtime procrastination is an important target for interventions promoting adequate sleep, yet the correlates of bedtime procrastination are poorly understood. This study examined (1) correlates of bedtime procrastination, and (2) strength and direction of the association between bedtime procrastination and sleep outcomes. Six databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, PsychINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched from inception to September 2021 against pre-determined eligibility criteria. Forty-three studies were included (GRADE = low). Meta-analysis revealed that bedtime procrastination had a moderate negative association with self-control (z = -0.39; CI: -0.45, -0.29) and a moderate positive association with evening chronotype (z = 0.43; CI: 0.32, 0.48). Furthermore, bedtime procrastination was moderately negatively associated with sleep duration (z = -0.31; CI: -0.37, -0.24), sleep quality (z = -0.35; CI: -0.42, -0.27) and moderately positively associated with daytime fatigue (z = 0.32; CI: 0.25, 0.38). Further high-quality studies are needed to identify causal relationships between bedtime procrastination and correlates, as well as bedtime procrastination and sleep. Future work will guide the development of interventions targeting bedtime procrastination for improved sleep outcomes. STUDY REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42021248891.

Relationship between Helicopter Parenting and Chinese Elementary School Child Procrastination: A Mediated Moderation Model

BACKGROUND

The family environment is essential for elementary school children's development. With smartphone penetration into all aspects of people's lives, how parenting affects children's behavior may show new patterns.

OBJECTIVE

This study constructed a mediated moderation model, focusing on the mediating role of child self-control and parental phubbing to clarify the relationship between helicopter parenting (over-parenting) and child procrastination and its mechanisms.

METHODS

The Smartphone Addiction Scale for Chinese Adults, Brief Self-Control Scale, Over-Parenting Questionnaire, and Short General Procrastination Scale were employed to investigate 562 elementary school-age children and their parents.

RESULTS

After data analysis, this study showed the following: (1) helicopter parenting was significantly and positively related to child self-control, child procrastination, and parental smartphone use; (2) child self-control partially mediated the relationship between helicopter parenting and child procrastination; and (3) pathways between helicopter parenting and child self-control were moderated by mother-phubbing behavior.

CONCLUSION

These findings inform parents of their roles in family education.

Normal lark, deviant owl: The relationship between chronotype and compliance with COVID-19 mitigation measures

Current evidence suggests that preventive measures, such as social distancing and wearing face masks, are critical to contain the spread of COVID-19. The recent burgeoning literature has empirically examined how a wide range of facet-level personality and individual-differences variables are associated with people's adherence to COVID-19 regulations. However, there lacks direct evidence regarding the role of chronotype in compliance with pandemic safety measures. According to the eveningness epidemiological liability hypothesis, people of later chronotype are more likely to breach COVID-19 restrictions. Despite this hypothesis shedding considerable light on the potential role of chronotype in the abidance of the virus-mitigating measures, it has not been rigorously tested using empirical data. To fill this gap, the present research investigated the link between morningness-eveningness and compliance with COVID-19 containment policies in Chinese samples. Two studies using multiple populations (students and community adults) and diverse measures of adherence to public health guidelines (self-report and actual behavior) consistently show that individuals who orient towards morningness display a higher level of compliance with COVID-19 prevention than people who orient towards eveningness. Overall, these findings present the first empirical confirmation of the eveningness epidemiological liability hypothesis, highlighting the role of chronotype in adherence to COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

The Mediation Role of Self-Control in the Association of Self-Efficacy and Physical Activity in College Students

Global COVID-19 lockdown measures have led to an apparent decrease in physical activity. This study aimed to explore the explanatory function of self-control's mediating role between self-efficacy and physical activity among college students. The analysis used the data of 1627 university students (aged 19.41 ± 0.66, range 17-28, 40.5% males) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Self-efficacy, self-control, and physical activity were tested, respectively, by the general self-efficacy scale, the new brief self-control scale, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) scale, which were analyzed by SPSS software. Correlation analysis showed that self-efficacy, self-control, and physical activity were related in pairs. Comparing the two dimensions of self-control, we found that self-discipline mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and PA, and impulse control did not mediate the relationship. Regarding the gender difference according to multi-group analysis, findings showed that females need higher self-discipline from the path of self-efficacy to physical activity improvement than males.

Endogenous circadian temperature rhythms relate to adolescents’ daytime physical activity

Circadian rhythms relate to multiple aspects of health and wellbeing, including physical activity patterns. Susceptible circadian regulation predisposes to circadian misalignment, poor sleep, sleep deprivation, increased sleepiness, and thereby sedentary behavior. Adolescents’ circadian regulation is particularly vulnerable, and may lead to sedentary behavior. To investigate which factors associate strongest between physical activity (PA) and circadian behavior, we conducted multimodal circadian rhythm analyses. We investigate how individual characteristics of habitual circadian patterns associate with objectively measured PA. We studied 312 adolescents [70% females) (56% with delayed sleep phase (DSP)], mean age 16.9 years. Circadian period length, temperature mesor (estimated 24 h midline) and amplitude (difference between mesor and peak) were measured using distally attached thermologgers (ibutton 1922L, 3-day-measurement). We additionally utilized algorithm-formed clusters of circadian rhythmicity. Sleep duration, timing, DSP, and PA were measured using actigraphs (GeneActiv Original, 10-day-measurement). We found that continuous circadian period length was not associated with PA, but lower mesor and higher amplitude were consistently associated with higher levels of PA as indicated by mean Metabolic Equivalent (METmean) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), even when controlling for sleep duration. Separate circadian clusters formed by an algorithm also reflected distinct patterns of PA accordingly. Late sleepers and those with DSP were less likely to engage in MVPA compared to non-DSP and had more sedentary behavior. Adolescents who engage in higher levels or high-intensity PA have better circadian regulation, as measured by different objective methods including distal temperature measurements as well as actigraphy-measured sleep-wake behavior.

The moderating role of sex in the relationship between executive functions and academic procrastination in undergraduate students

The objective of the study was to determine if sex plays a moderating role in the relationship between executive functions and academic procrastination in 106 university students of both genders (28.3% male and 71.7% female) between the ages of 18 and 30 years (M = 19.7; SD = 2.7). The Academic Procrastination Scale and the Neuropsychological Battery of Executive Functions and Frontal Lobes (BANFE-2) were used to measure the variables. The results of the study showed that the degree of prediction of the tasks linked to the orbitomedial cortex (involves the orbitofrontal cortex [OFC] and the medial prefrontal cortex [mPFC]) on academic procrastination is significantly moderated by the sex of the university students (β₃ = 0.53; p < 0.01). For men, the estimated effect of the tasks linked to the orbitomedial cortex on the degree of academic procrastination is −0.81. For women, the estimated effect of the tasks linked to the orbitomedial cortex on the degree of academic procrastination is −0.28. In addition, it was shown that sex does not play a moderating role in the relationship between the tasks linked to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and academic procrastination (β₃ = 0.12; p > 0.05). It was also determined that sex does not play a moderating role in the relationship between the tasks linked to the anterior prefrontal cortex (aPFC) and academic procrastination (β₃ = 0.05; p > 0.05). It is concluded that only the executive functions associated with the orbitomedial cortex are moderated by the sex of the university students, where the impact of the tasks linked to the orbitomedial cortex on academic procrastination in men is significantly greater than in women.

Effects of Occupational Stress, Self-Efficacy and Mental Health During the Pandemic on Hospital Sanitation Workers in Malaysia

COVID-19 rapidly spread across the world, constituting a public health disaster unlike any other experienced in decades. The impact exerted on workplaces and their employees was dramatic, and an immense burden fell on healthcare provision globally. Along with "front-line" healthcare staff, sanitation workers at hospitals also had to cope with additional workloads, making them vulnerable to psychological trauma and affecting their quality of life at establishments. This study investigated how the factors of occupational stress, self-efficacy (belief in the capacity to carry out a task well) and mental health altered the WRQoL (Work-Related Quality of Life) of employees carrying out sanitation duties at hospitals in Malaysia. To this end, a survey translated into the Malay language was conducted among 449 such workers during a so-called "recovery movement control order", i.e. quarantine and control measures pertaining to an outbreak of Coronavirus disease. Research involved co-variance-based structural equation modeling, performed in IBM-AMOS-26 software, in order to discern the causal relationship of the aforementioned factors on WRQoL. Results revealed a high level of occupational stress, diminished self-efficacy and poor mental health among the employees surveyed. Such stress directly impacted the WRQoL of the second factor alongside an indirect effect on that of the third, i.e. anxiety stemming from potentially catching the virus and the experience of having to disinfect facilities for treating patients, undertake cleaning duties, and move corpses.

Need for cognition and burnout in teachers – A replication and extension study

Burnout has become more prevalent, mainly in social jobs, and there is evidence that certain personality traits protect against burnout. Only recently, studies have focused on investment traits like Need for Cognition (NFC), the stable intrinsic motivation to seek out and enjoy effortful cognitive activities. This study had three aims: First, the replication of findings by Grass et al. (2018), who investigated NFC and the burnout subscale reduced personal efficacy in student teachers, in a sample of 180 teachers. Second, investigating the role of perceived demands and resources in the context of NFC and burnout. And finally, creating an exploratory model for further research. The results indicated that unlike the student sample, the teachers’ association of NFC and reduced personal efficacy was mediated by self-control but not reappraisal. Teachers with higher NFC and self-control also had lower burnout because they experienced their resources as fitting to the demands.

Effect of Self-Efficacy on Bedtime Procrastination Among Chinese University Students: A Moderation and Mediation Model

Bedtime procrastination (BP) is generally considered to be a maladaptive behavior. However, BP may be an adaptive fast LH strategy within the LH framework, and further, personal beliefs about their abilities and resources promote this fast LH strategy. Here, the present study addressed this idea, focusing on the effect of self-efficacy on BP, the mediation of harm avoidance (HA), and the moderation of novelty seeking (NS). Data from 552 Chinese university students (205 men and 347 women) were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and SPSS PROCESS Macro. Results indicated that HA partially mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and BP. Main interactional effects have been observed when NS is introduced in the model as a moderator. Implications and limitations of the study and suggestions for further study are discussed.

Loneliness and Optimism among Polish Nursing Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediatory Role of Self-Efficacy

(1) The COVID-19 pandemic is a global epidemic crisis situation with negative health consequences. This study aimed to determine the mediatory role of self-efficacy in correlations between dispositional optimism and loneliness (both general loneliness and social and emotional loneliness) among Polish nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) The study involved 894 students from six Polish universities. A diagnostic survey was used as the research method, and the Scale for the Measurement of Loneliness Scale (DJGLS), Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), and the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) were used to collect data. (3) The mean subject age was 20.73 years (SD = 1.81). More than half (51.01%) of the respondents scored high on the GSES scale, indicating an individual’s belief in the self-efficacy in coping with difficult situations and obstacles. However, 40.60% scored low on the LOT-R scale, indicating that the respondents were pessimistic. The mediation analysis revealed that self-efficacy plays a partial mediatory role in correlations between dispositional optimism and loneliness in general, social and emotional loneliness. (4) It is important to undertake loneliness prophylactic and prevention activities among nursing students and to develop personal resources, i.e., optimism and self-efficacy, to effectively offset the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chronotype and trait self-control as unique predictors of sleep quality in Chinese adults: The mediating effects of sleep hygiene habits and bedtime media use

This study examined the distinctive roles of chronotype and trait self-control in predicting sleep quality and the mediation of sleep hygiene habits and bedtime media use of the relations between chronotype, trait self-control and sleep quality. Self-report questionnaire measuring chronotype, trait self-control, sleep hygiene behaviors, bedtime media use and sleep quality was administered to 224 Chinese adult participants (83.5% female). A multiple mediation model was estimated with sleep hygiene habits and bedtime media use as parallel mediators of the relations between chronotype, trait self-control, and sleep quality. Chronotype and trait self-control positively predicted sleep quality. Results of mediation analyses indicated that trait self-control predicted sleep quality both directly and indirectly through pre-sleep stress management and keeping a restful sleep environment, whereas chronotype predicted sleep quality indirectly through pre-sleep stress management and bedtime media use. This study provides evidence for the possible mechanism through which eveningness and low trait self-control undermine sleep quality: Whereas bedtime media use and sleep timing irregularity are linked to poor sleep quality in evening types, environmental interference (e.g., noise or disorganization) appears to be more relevant to poor sleep quality in individuals low in self-control. These findings can inform the design of personalized sleep hygiene recommendations appropriate for the target population. Practical implications regarding sleep hygiene education and interventions are discussed.

Smartphone keyboard interaction monitoring as an unobtrusive method to approximate rest-activity patterns: Inter-individual and metric-specific variations (Preprint)

BACKGROUND

Sleep is an important determinant of individuals' health and behavior during the wake phase. Novel research methods for field assessments are required to enable the monitoring of sleep over a prolonged period and across a large number of people. The ubiquity of smartphones offers new avenues for detecting rest-activity patterns in everyday life in a noninvasive an inexpensive manner and on a large scale. Recent studies provided evidence for the potential of smartphone interaction monitoring as a novel tracking method to approximate rest-activity patterns based on the timing of smartphone activity and inactivity throughout the 24-hour day. These findings require further replication and more detailed insights into interindividual variations in the associations and deviations with commonly used metrics for monitoring rest-activity patterns in everyday life.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to replicate and expand on earlier findings regarding the associations and deviations between smartphone keyboard-derived and self-reported estimates of the timing of the onset of the rest and active periods and the duration of the rest period. Moreover, we aimed to quantify interindividual variations in the associations and time differences between the 2 assessment modalities and to investigate to what extent general sleep quality, chronotype, and trait self-control moderate these associations and deviations.

METHODS

Students were recruited to participate in a 7-day experience sampling study with parallel smartphone keyboard interaction monitoring. Multilevel modeling was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

In total, 157 students participated in the study, with an overall response rate of 88.9% for the diaries. The results revealed moderate to strong relationships between the keyboard-derived and self-reported estimates, with stronger associations for the timing-related estimates (β ranging from .61 to .78) than for the duration-related estimates (β=.51 and β=.52). The relational strength between the time-related estimates was lower, but did not substantially differ for the duration-related estimates, among students experiencing more disturbances in their general sleep quality. Time differences between the keyboard-derived and self-reported estimates were, on average, small (<0.5 hours); however, large discrepancies were also registered for quite some nights. The time differences between the 2 assessment modalities were larger for both timing-related and rest duration-related estimates among students who reported more disturbances in their general sleep quality. Chronotype and trait self-control did not significantly moderate the associations and deviations between the 2 assessment modalities.

CONCLUSIONS

We replicated the positive potential of smartphone keyboard interaction monitoring for estimating rest-activity patterns among populations of regular smartphone users. Chronotype and trait self-control did not significantly influence the metrics' accuracy, whereas general sleep quality did: the behavioral proxies obtained from smartphone interactions appeared to be less powerful among students who experienced lower general sleep quality. The generalization and underlying process of these findings require further investigation.

How Did You Sleep Tonight? The Relevance of Sleep Quality and Sleep–Wake Rhythm for Procrastination at Work

Recent studies have highlighted the relevance of sleep for procrastination at work. Procrastination at work is defined as the irrational delay of the initiation or completion of work-related activities. In line with recent studies, we offer a self-regulation perspective on procrastination. We argue that procrastination is an outcome of depleted self-regulatory resources and that the restoration of self-regulatory resources during high-quality sleep at night would prevent procrastination.

Aims

In an attempt to further develop this line of research, the current study aimed to achieve a broader understanding of the relevance of sleep and circadian rhythm for procrastination. Therefore, we explored the effect of sleep quality on procrastination for different chronotypes. We also considered the shift to daylight saving time as a phenomenon that aggravates circadian misalignment and thereby later chronotypes' dependence on high-quality sleep. Specifically, we hypothesized that compared to employees with an earlier chronotype (morning types), employees with a later chronotype (evening types) are more dependent on good sleep at night to prevent procrastination the next day. This effect would be especially pronounced after the shift to daylight saving time.

Methods

For this repeated-measures study, participants were 101 full-time employees. They completed a general questionnaire and day-specific questionnaires on the Monday before and the Monday following the shift to daylight saving time.

Results

The multilevel analyses showed that employees procrastinated less on days following nights during which they slept better and that later chronotypes experienced more procrastination than earlier chronotypes. Our findings also supported the hypothesis that the relationship between sleep quality and procrastination is stronger for later chronotypes compared to earlier chronotypes on the Monday following the shift to daylight saving time. In other words, the lower the sleep quality of later chronotypes during the previous night, the more they procrastinated on the Monday following the shift to daylight saving time.

Discussion

Our findings further corroborate the existing findings on the relevance of sleep and chronotype for well-being and performance at work.

Social factors of procrastination: group work can reduce procrastination among students

Research on procrastination covers a variety of individual factors (e.g., conscientiousness) and this focus is reflected in interventions against procrastination. Less emphasis is put on situational and social factors that may help students reduce procrastination, such as social interdependence. Therefore, this study investigates the relationship between interdependence with academic procrastination and affective variables. Two vignette studies with student samples (N1 = 320, N2 = 193) were conducted and data was analyzed with regression analyses and analyses of covariance. Results of both studies show lower state procrastination in group work with interdependence compared to individual work, especially in participants with high trait procrastination. This difference is more pronounced when interdependence is accompanied by an active commitment to finish the task on time. Further, interdependent group work is related to increased positive affect and decreased negative affect. The results demonstrate the relevance of situational and social factors for academic procrastination, and point toward new approaches for intervention.

Stress Susceptibility Moderates the Relationship Between Eveningness Preference and Poor Sleep Quality in Non-Acute Mood Disorder Patients and Healthy Controls

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between eveningness preference and poor sleep quality and eventually examine the moderation effect of stress susceptibility.

METHODS

Individuals with non-acute major depressive disorder or bipolar affective disorder and healthy participants were recruited. The Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to evaluate chronotype and sleep quality, respectively. Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, and Beck Anxiety Inventory were used to formulate stress susceptibility and as indicator variables for empirical clustering by latent class analysis (LCA). Linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between chronotype preference and sleep quality. The interaction terms of CSM and stress susceptibility were examined for the moderation effect.

RESULTS

A total of 887 individuals were enrolled in this study, with 68.2% female and 44.1% healthy participants. Three subgroups were derived from LCA and designated as low stresssusceptibility (40.2%), moderate stress susceptibility (40.9%), and high stress susceptibility (18.8%) groups. After controlling for covariates, the CSM scores inversely correlated with PSQI scores [b (se)=-0.02 (0.01), p=0.01], suggesting that individuals with eveningness preferences tend to have poor sleep quality. Moreover, stress susceptibility moderated the relationship between CSM and PSQI scores (p for interaction term = 0.04). Specifically, the inverse association between CSM and PSQI was more robust in the high stress susceptibility group than that in the low stress susceptibility group.

CONCLUSION

Eveningness preference was associated with poor sleep quality, and this relationship was moderated by stress susceptibility.

The anxiety-specific hippocampus-prefrontal cortex pathways links to procrastination through self-control

Procrastination, which is defined as delaying an intended course of action despite negative outcomes, is demonstrated to have a deal with negative emotion including trait anxiety. Although highly anxious individuals showed impoverished control ability, no studies have indicated the role of self-control in the relationship between trait anxiety and procrastination, and its neural correlates. To this end, we used the sliding window method to calculate the temporal deviation of dynamic functional connectivity (FC) in 312 healthy participants who underwent the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning. In line with our hypothesis, higher trait anxiety is linked to more procrastination via poorer self-control. Besides, the dynamic FC analyses showed that trait anxiety was positively correlated with dynamic FC variability in hippocampus-prefrontal cortex (HPC-PFC) pathways, including left rostral hippocampus-left superior frontal gyrus (left rHPC-left SFG), and left rHPC-right middle frontal gyrus (left rHPC--MFG). Furthermore, the structural equation modeling (SEM) uncovered a mediated role of self-control in the association between the anxiety-specific brain connectivity and procrastination. These findings suggest that the HPC-PFC pathways may reflect impoverished regulatory ability over the negative thoughts for anxious individuals, and thereby incurs more procrastination, which enhances our understanding of how trait anxiety links to procrastination.

Why Are We Distracted by Social Media? Distraction Situations and Strategies, Reasons for Distraction, and Individual Differences

Social media is a major source of distraction and thus can hinder users from successfully fulfilling certain tasks by tempting them to use social media instead. However, an understanding of why users get distracted by social media is still lacking. We examine the phenomenon of social media distraction by identifying reasons for, situations of, and strategies against social media distraction. The method adopted is a quantitative online survey (N = 329) with a demographically diverse sample. The results reveal two reasons for social media distraction: social (e.g., staying connected and being available) and task-related distraction (e.g., not wanting to pursue a task). We find individual differences in these reasons for distraction. For social distraction, affiliation motive and fear of missing out (FoMO) are significant predictors, while for task-related distraction, self-regulatory capabilities (self-control, problematic social media use) and FoMO are significant predictors. Additionally, typical distraction situations are non-interactive situations (e.g., watching movies, facing unpleasant tasks). Strategies used to reduce distractions mostly involved reducing external distractions (e.g., silencing the device). This paper contributes to the understanding of social media use by revealing insights into social media distraction from the user perspective.

Fear of COVID-19 lead to procrastination among Turkish university students: The mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 outbreak has not only increased mortality but has also negatively affected mental health among populations across the world. Furthermore, individuals are experiencing uncertainty about their current and future situation because of the pandemic. Therefore, the present study investigated the mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and procrastination among a sample of Turkish university students.

METHODS

Between October and November 2020, 450 university students (291 females and 159 males aged 17 to 24 years) from three state universities in Turkey completed an online survey. Correlation analysis and structural equation modeling methods were employed to examine a model for understanding the general procrastination during COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

The results of the correlation analysis indicated that the fear of COVID-19 was positively correlated with both intolerance of uncertainty (r = .26, p < .001) and procrastination (r = .23, p < .001). The mediation analysis also showed that intolerance of uncertainty had a significant mediating role in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and procrastination (β = .11, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Reducing the fear of COVID-19 and intolerance of uncertainty is likely to contribute to reducing individuals' procrastination behaviors during the pandemic.

Mental health indices may fully mediate the relationship between morningness-eveningness and disease control among adult asthma patients

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the association between morningness-eveningness and disease control with consideration of mental state as a mediator and the control of confounding factors among adult asthma patients.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, which included a nonrandom sample of N = 66 patients from an outpatient unit with a confirmed asthma diagnosis, who gave an informed consent and completed a set of questionnaires: a survey comprising questions about sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the Asthma Control Test (ACT), the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Mediation models were created separately for each GHQ-28 dimension (somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction and depressive symptoms), for a total score and for four GHQ-28 dimensions together, considered as mediators.Results: Low morning affect was related to poor disease symptom control among patients with asthma. The effect was fully mediated by non-psychotic mental health indices. Evening-time preference was associated with a rise in asthma control, and mediated by somatic symptoms and anxiety/insomnia, when controlled for morning affect.Conclusions: The current study underlines the significance of assessment of both individual morningness-eveningness preference and mental health in the management of asthma symptoms.

The influence of mobile phone addiction and work procrastination on burnout among newly graduated Chinese nurses

PURPOSE

The study was conducted to explore the relationship between mobile phone addiction, work procrastination, and burnout among newly graduated nurses.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey involving 220 newly graduated nurses in China was conducted from June to July 2020.

FINDINGS

Approximately 60.9% of newly graduated nurses experienced occupational burnout; 72.7% of newly graduated nurses were characterized by moderate or greater procrastination and mobile phone addiction was at a moderate level. Mobile phone addiction and work procrastination were significant factors leading to emotional exhaustion and cynicism. Work procrastination was also an independent predictor of reduced professional efficacy.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Reducing the level of mobile phone addiction and work procrastination among newly graduated nurses might be effective for burnout prevention.

Craniopharyngioma, Chronotypes and Metabolic Risk Profile

Aim: To investigate the potential association among Craniopharyngioma (CP), chronotypes and metabolic risk profile. Subjects and Methods: The study population included 28 patients (46.4% males; 42.6 ± 15.8 years) and 28 controls, age, gender and BMI matched (46.4% males; 46.5 ± 12.9 years). In this study sample, we evaluated: anthropometric measurements (waist circumference, WC; BMI), plasma glucose, lipid profile, and systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure. Morningness-Eveningness was measured with the Horne-Ostberg Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), which included 19 questions about preferred sleep time and daily performance. Results: in both patients and controls grade I obesity was detected in 15 subjects (53.6%), grade II obesity in 13 subjects (46.4%). In the patient group, the mean score of chronotype was 47.8 ± 12.6. In particular, 9 patients (32.1%) exhibited the morning chronotype, 6 (21.4%) the intermediate chronotype and 13 (46.4.%) the evening chronotype. No significant difference was found in gender and age among the chronotype categories. Patients with the evening chronotype had higher blood pressure values and worse metabolic parameters than those with the morning chronotype. In the control group, the mean score of the chronotype was 57.6 ± 9.5. In particular, 16 (57.1%) subjects exhibited the morning chronotype, 10 (35.7%) the intermediate chronotype and only 2 (7.1.%) the evening chronotype. The prevalence of intermediate and evening chronotypes was higher in females than males (p = 0.021), while males have a higher prevalence of the morning chronotype. Subjects with intermediate and evening chronotypes had worse metabolic parameters than those with the morning chronotype. In patients, the chronotype score was inversely correlated to WC, BMI, SBP, DBP, plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and positively correlated with HDL cholesterol. No correlation was found between age and chronotype. In controls, the chronotype score was inversely correlated to WC, BMI, plasma glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol. No correlation was found among chronotype and age, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol. Considering the whole population of the study (patients and controls), at logistic regression the chronotype score was significantly associated with the presence of CP. Conclusions: for the first time thus far, our study puts the light on the association of the CP with chronotypes and metabolic alterations in this disease, which are the main determinants of the reduced quality of life, higher morbidity and mortality in this setting of patients. This finding suggests that alterations of chronotype might represent an adjunctive risk for CP patients and a possible target for their integrate management.

Relationship between self-efficacy, social rhythm, and mental health among college students: a 3-year longitudinal study

Although many empirical studies have aimed to find variances in positive mental health among different groups and the relationship between mental health and other variables, few studies examined the developmental trend of mental health levels and the cross-lagged relationship between self-efficacy, social rhythm, and mental health. Furthermore, few of them explored the interrelationship between self-efficacy and social rhythm among college students over time. This study thus aimed to clarify the longitudinal cross-lagged relationship between self-efficacy, social rhythm, and positive mental health among college students. A total of 764 students (627 females, mean age 21.03 ± 0.84 years at T1) participated in a 3-year-long study (T1, T2, T3) and were asked to complete the General Self-Efficacy, the Brief Social Rhythm, and the Positive Mental Health Scales. The results indicate that the development of positive mental health among college students showed an upward trend during those 3 years. There was a significant relationship between positive mental health, social rhythm, and self-efficacy. Positive mental health and social rhythm significantly predicted self-efficacy in the following year. Positive mental health in T2 could predict both T3 social rhythm marginally and T3 self-efficacy significantly. However, T1 social rhythm was not indirectly associated with T3 mental health via T2 self-efficacy, and T1 self-efficacy was not indirectly associated with T3 mental health via T2 social rhythm. This finding clarified the relationship between positive mental health, self-efficacy, and social rhythm, and provided evidence that positive mental health is the basis for self-efficacy and social rhythm among young adults. Therefore, school psychologists in universities should pay close attention to the positive mental health of young adults to form high levels of self-efficacy and social rhythm.

The Mediator Role of Routines on the Relationship between General Procrastination, Academic Procrastination and Perceived Importance of Sleep and Bedtime Procrastination

BACKGROUND

Sleep plays a key role in our overall function, and sleep insufficiency has been highlighted as a major health issue. 'Bedtime procrastination'-i.e., needlessly delaying the time one goes to bed without external reasons-is one reason for sleep insufficiency. The present research aims to explore the interrelationships among Bedtime Procrastination, other domains of Procrastination, and routine-related variables.

METHODS

The mediating effects of Wake-up Time and Dinner Time on the relationship between Bedtime Procrastination and General Procrastination, Academic Procrastination, and Perceived Importance of Sleep were tested. Self-reported questionnaires were used, and the sample comprised of 446 university students.

RESULTS

A partial mediation model was found. General Procrastination, Academic Procrastination, and Perceived Importance of Sleep showed direct effects on Bedtime Procrastination. Moreover, Academic and General Procrastination were positively associated with Bedtime Procrastination, whereas Perceived Importance of Sleep was negatively associated with Bedtime Procrastination. Indirect effects of the Perceived Importance of Sleep and General Procrastination, as mediated by Wake-up Time and Dinner Time, on Bedtime Procrastination were also found.

CONCLUSIONS

Personal routines (Wake-up Time and Dinner Time) along with individual characteristics (General and Academic Procrastination) and beliefs (perceived importance of sleep) may affect Bedtime Procrastination. Present results highlight the complexity of Bedtime Procrastination.

Sleep and self-control: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Controlling impulses and overcoming temptations (i.e., self-control) are key aspects of living a productive life. There is a growing yet disperse literature indicating that sleep is an important predictor of self-control. The goal of this meta-analysis is to empirically integrate the findings from multiple literatures, and investigate whether sleep quality, and sleep duration predict self-control. To provide a thorough understanding of the proposed relationships, this meta-analysis also investigated potential differences between the level of analysis (between-individual vs. within-individual), research design (experiment vs. correlation; and cross-sectional vs. time-lagged), and types of measure (subjective vs. objective for sleep and self-control). A systematic review was conducted through ABI/Inform (including PsycInfo), ERIC, ProQuest Dissertation & Theses, PubMed, and Psychology Database using keywords related to self-control and sleep. Sixty-one independent studies met the inclusion criteria. The results, in general, suggest that sleep quality (between-individual 0.26, CI 0.21; 0.31; and within-individual 0.35, CI 0.24; 0.45), and sleep duration (between-individual 0.14, CI 0.07; 0.21; and within-individual 0.20, CI 0.09; 0.31) are all related to self-control. Given the impact of self-control on how individuals live productive lives, a future research agenda should include a deeper investigation in the causal process (potentially via prefrontal cortex activity) linking sleep and self-control, and an examination of the moderators (individual and contextual variables) that could impact the relationship between sleep and self-control.

Social Jetlag in adolescents: From a nursing perspective

PROBLEM

Social Jetlag (SJL) is a condition leading to many important physical, mental, behavioral, and cognitive problems in adolescents.

METHODS

The sample of this study, which used a descriptive and correlational design, consisted of 247 high school students. The SJL parameters were informed by the literature, while chronotype was identified using the Morningness-Eveningness Scale for Children. The factors associated with SJL were determined using a structured questionnaire.

FINDINGS

Students' SJL value was 2 h 10 min ± 01:11. As students' tendency to be an evening chronotype increased, the SJL value increased, as well (r = -0.472; p < 0.001). In terms of SJL, student's grade level (β = -0.167; p = 0.004) and chronotype (β = -0.438; p < 0.001) were a negative risk factor, while spending time in bed with TV/computer/smartphone before sleeping (β = 0.127; p = 0.031) was a positive risk factor.

CONCLUSIONS

The students had a high SJL value. The results might be useful for nurses to develop intervention strategies to improve adolescents sleep habits.

It's owl time!: the relationship between chronotype and resolution of temporal ambiguity

When adducing temporal relationship, we can either adopt the perspective of conceiving ourselves as moving toward the future (called Moving Ego perspective), or we can adopt the perspective of the future time coming toward us (called Moving Time perspective). Previous research has shown that the adoption of these two types of temporal perspectives is highly flexible, influenced by a complex of factors. However, it remains largely unknown whether chronotype, characterized by one's tendency to conduct activities and sleep at a particular time during the day-night cycle, is correlated to metaphorical perspectives of time. Some evidence suggests a possible link between procrastination and the Moving Ego perspective. An additional line of research has shown that the evening chronotype is significantly associated with procrastination. Integrating these various lines of research led us to hypothesize that having a preference for eveningness may predispose a person toward adopting the ego-moving perspective. We tested this hypothesis and found robust support for this association in an online sample of Chinese speakers (N = 284). We found that participants who favor the ego-moving representation exhibited a high level of eveningness. This work suggests that individual differences in circadian preference play a unique role in the resolution of temporal ambiguity.

The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy in Sleep Disorder and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Caregivers of Stroke Inpatients: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis

PURPOSE

Caregivers of stroke inpatients are at high risk of sleep disorder, which may lead to depressive symptoms. Self-efficacy has always been regarded as a protective factor against psychological disorders such as depressive symptoms. This study aims to investigate the sleep disorder and depressive symptoms of caregivers of stroke inpatients in China and explore the mediating effect of self-efficacy between sleep disorder and depressive symptoms among Chinese caregivers of stroke inpatients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 305 caregivers who were hospitalized with stroke patients completed the PROMIS Sleep Disorder Short Form Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 in two general public hospitals in northeast and southeast China. A structural equation model with bootstrap method was performed to determine the mediation of self-efficacy between sleep disorder and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Among the participants, 55.4% of caregivers reported depressive symptoms. Sleep disorder and self-efficacy were significant predictors of depressive symptoms. The direct impact of sleep disorder on depressive symptoms was positive, and the path coefficient of sleep disorder with depressive symptoms was decreased from 0.45 to 0.38 (P < 0.01) after addition of self-efficacy in the model. This indicated that self-efficacy played as mediator.

CONCLUSION

The caregivers of stroke inpatients were in poor physical and psychological health, and more than half of the caregivers (55.4%) suffered from depressive symptoms. Our research revealed the mediation of self-efficacy between sleep disorder and depressive symptoms, and emphasized the importance of enhancing self-efficacy to reduce depressive symptoms among caregivers of stroke inpatients. These results demonstrate that focusing on self-efficacy interventions can enhance mental health and reduce depressive symptoms effectively.

Mediating effects of rumination and bedtime procrastination on the relationship between Internet addiction and poor sleep quality

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Numerous studies have shown that people who have Internet addiction (IA) are more likely to experience poor sleep quality than people who do not. However, few studies have explored mechanisms underlying the relation between IA and poor sleep quality. As a first attempt to address this knowledge gap, a cross-sectional design was applied, and structural equation modeling was used to explore the direct relationship between IA and poor sleep quality, as well as the potential mediating roles of rumination and bedtime procrastination.

METHODS

A convenience sample, consisting of 1,104 Chinese University students (696 females or 63%), completed an online survey that included the following measures: Young's 8-item Internet Addiction Diagnosis Questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Ruminative Responses Scale, and the Bedtime Procrastination Scale.

RESULTS

While the direct path between IA and poor sleep quality was not found to be significant, rumination and bedtime procrastination were each shown to separately mediate the predictive effect of IA on poor sleep quality. However, the greatest level of support was found for the sequential mediating effects of rumination and bedtime procrastination between IA and poor sleep quality.

CONCLUSION

While rumination and bedtime procrastination were both shown to be important independent mediators for the relation between IA and poor sleep quality, their combined effect was as great as either alone.

Does Self-Efficacy and Emotional Control Protect Hospital Staff From COVID-19 Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms? Psychological Functioning of Hospital Staff After the Announcement of COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in the hospital staff, as well as to identify protective factors of COVID-19 anxiety once the coronavirus pandemic was announced in Poland.

METHODS

90 healthcare workers from the hospital in Poland completed validated self-report questionnaires assessing self-efficacy, emotional control, and PTSD symptoms; a questionnaire assessing COVID-19 anxiety; and a socio-demographic questionnaire. A multiple linear regression was conducted to assess the effects of gender, being directly vs indirectly exposed to patients, and general self-efficacy on COVID-19 anxiety.

RESULTS

The analysis showed that female (β = -0.271, p < 0.01) healthcare professionals indirectly exposed to patients (β = -0.336, p < 0.01) and those who reported lower levels of general self-efficacy (β = -0.295, p < 0.01) have a stronger tendency to experience COVID-19 anxiety [R 2 = 0.301, F(3,89) = 12.34, p < 0.01].

CONCLUSION

The findings show the importance of self-efficacy for dealing with COVID-19 anxiety. The internal coping strategies should be introduced to healthcare workers.

Morning diurnal preference and food intake: a Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Poor dietary choices may underlie known associations between having an evening diurnal preference and cardiometabolic diseases. Assessing causal links between diurnal preference and food intake is now possible in Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to use a 2-sample MR to determine potential causal effects of genetic liability to a morning preference on food intake. We also examined potential causal effects of a morning preference on objectively captured response performances to email-administered 24-h diet recalls.

METHODS

We used genetic variants associated with a morning preference from a published genome-wide association meta-analysis. Our outcomes included 61 food items with estimates from a food-frequency questionnaire in the UK Biobank (n = 361,194). For significant findings, we repeated the analysis using intake estimates from modified 24-h diet recalls in a subset of overlapping participants (n = 146,086). In addition, we examined 7 response performance outcomes, including the time and duration of responses to 24-h diet recalls (n = 123,035). MR effects were estimated using an inverse-variance weighted analysis.

RESULTS

Genetic liability to a morning preference was associated with increased intake of 6 food items (fresh fruit, alcohol with meals, bran cereal, cereals, dried fruit, and water), decreased intake of 4 food items (beer plus cider, processed meat, other cereals [e.g., corn or frosted flakes], and full cream milk), increased temperature of hot drinks, and decreased variation in diet (PFalse Discovery Rate < 0.05). There was no evidence for an effect on coffee or tea intake. Findings for fresh fruit, beer plus cider, bran cereal, and cereal were consistent when intakes were estimated by 24-h diet recalls (P < 0.05). We also identified potential causal links between a morning preference with earlier timing and a shorter duration for completing email-administered 24-h diet recalls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide evidence for a potentially causal effect of a morning preference with the increased intake of foods known to constitute a healthy diet, suggesting possible health benefits of adopting a more morning diurnal preference.

Academic Self-Efficacy and Postgraduate Procrastination: A Moderated Mediation Model

Studies in recent years have shown that academic procrastination in postgraduates is very common and has a negative impact on their mental health. Therefore, we conducted this study to explore the influencing mechanism of postgraduate academic procrastination. In this study, based on the Temporal Decision Model (TDM) of procrastination and the strength model of self-control, we administered a questionnaire survey to 577 full-time postgraduates (351 females, 226 males) to explore the influence mechanisms and gender differences of motivational and volitional factors on academic procrastination. Our results indicated significant differences in academic self-efficacy between females and males. Academic self-efficacy was positively correlated with academic self-control and negatively correlated with academic procrastination; academic self-control was negatively correlated with academic procrastination. Academic self-control had a completely mediating effect in the influence of academic self-efficacy on academic procrastination. Gender variables moderated the influence of academic self-efficacy on academic self-control and thus significantly moderated the mediating effect of academic self-control. Specifically, academic self-control had a stronger mediating effect between academic self-efficacy and academic procrastination for female postgraduates. Our findings may provide guidance for postgraduates who exhibit academic procrastination and extend the theory of academic procrastination.

Multidimensional Models of Perfectionism and Procrastination: Seeking Determinants of Both

Background: Perfectionism is currently conceptualized using a multidimensional model, with extensive research establishing the presence of both maladaptive and adaptive forms. However, the potential adaptability of procrastination, largely considered as a maladaptive construct, and its possible developmental connection to perfectionism remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the individual differences of the multidimensional models of both perfectionism and procrastination, as well as investigating potential links between the two constructs. Methods: A convenience sample of 206 undergraduate students participated in this study. Participants completed a questionnaire consisting of 236 questions regarding the variables under investigation. Results: The adaptive model of procrastination yielded largely insignificant results and demonstrated limited links with adaptive perfectionism, while maladaptive procrastination was consistently associated with maladaptive perfectionism, lending further evidence of a unidimensional model of procrastination. Conclusions: Many previous findings regarding the multidimensional model of perfectionism were replicated, along with new contributions focusing on the dual-process model and temporal orientation.

The Effects of Social Support on Sleep Quality of Medical Staff Treating Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in January and February 2020 in China

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), formerly known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan City, China. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a multivariate analysis method to determine the structural relationship between measured variables. This observational study aimed to use SEM to determine the effects of social support on sleep quality and function of medical staff who treated patients with COVID-19 in January and February 2020 in Wuhan, China.

Material/Methods

A one-month cross-sectional observational study included 180 medical staff who treated patients with COVID-19 infection. Levels of anxiety, self-efficacy, stress, sleep quality, and social support were measured using the and the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Stanford Acute Stress Reaction (SASR) questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Social Support Rate Scale (SSRS), respectively. Pearson’s correlation analysis and SEM identified the interactions between these factors.

Results

Levels of social support for medical staff were significantly associated with self-efficacy and sleep quality and negatively associated with the degree of anxiety and stress. Levels of anxiety were significantly associated with the levels of stress, which negatively impacted self-efficacy and sleep quality. Anxiety, stress, and self-efficacy were mediating variables associated with social support and sleep quality.

Conclusions

SEM showed that medical staff in China who were treating patients with COVID-19 infection during January and February 2020 had levels of anxiety, stress, and self-efficacy that were dependent on sleep quality and social support.