Publication Date

8-2024

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Rachel Tinius, Danilo Tolusso, Mark Schafer

Degree Program

Department of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

College can be a trying time for many students, from the stresses of a new academic load to dealing with financial insecurities. This could be a time where mental health issues, like anxiety and depression, are first starting to emerge, and many look to find ways to cope that may not be beneficial. Previous research has looked at many factors individually as to what the underlying factors could be, but none examine the main factors, sleep, physical activity, social media, and digital technology, simultaneously and little is known about how these factors affect anxiety and depression, as well as the relationship they have with one another. This study examined the relationship between these factors on anxiety and depression, as well as one another. A high percentage of our study population (nearly 70%) exhibited symptoms indicative of depression. Regression analyses revealed that sleep was the strongest predictor of both depression and anxiety scores among college students, and social media addiction was a predictor of depression scores as well. In an effort to improve mental health amongst this population, interventions are needed to lessen social media and digital technology use, while improving sleep.

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Mental and Social Health | Social and Behavioral Sciences

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