Examining the Relationship Between Trait Energy and Fatigue and Feelings of Depression in Young Healthy Adults

Authors

Marc-Antoine D. Harris, Barry UniversityFollow
Lauren Nesshoever, Clarkson UniversityFollow
Ashley Carpenter, Clarkson UniversityFollow
Selina Sampieri, Clarkson UniversityFollow
Jennifer Keefer, Clarkson UniversityFollow
Chelsea C. Yager, St. Josephs HospitalFollow
Andrew C. Pickett, University of South DakotaFollow
Matthew L. Smith, Texas A&M UniversityFollow
Ali Boolani, Clarkson UniversityFollow
Andreas Stamatis, SUNY PlattsburghFollow
Zacharias Papadakis, Barry UniversityFollow

Abstract

Depression is usually co-morbid with fatigue. However, we are unaware of studies exploring the relationship between trait energy and fatigue and feelings of depression. Recent evidence suggests that energy and fatigue are two distinct moods. PURPOSE: To examine the association between trait mental and physical energy and fatigue and feelings of depression, within an otherwise healthy young adult cohort. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, healthy respondents (n=495) completed a series of self-reported surveys measuring depression, lifestyle factors (sleep, diet, physical activity), and trait mental and physical energy and fatigue. Using a step-wise regression, we controlled for demographics and lifestyle and added trait mental and physical energy and fatigue to the second model. RESULTS: When trait mental and physical energy and fatigue were added to the models, the adjusted R² increased by 5% (R² = .112, F(13, 457) = 4.455, p < .001). In our second model, trait mental fatigue was the only significant predictor of depressive mood states (Β = .159, t (457) = 2.512, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Young adults, who struggle with high mental fatigue, may also be more likely to report feeling depressed suggesting that fatigue and depression are co-morbid, while low energy and depression are not. Future research should aim to identify epigenetic/genetic factors that influence mental fatigue and how those may be associated with feelings of depression.

Recommended Citation

Harris, Marc-Antoine D.; Nesshoever, Lauren; Carpenter, Ashley; Sampieri, Selina; Keefer, Jennifer; Yager, Chelsea C.; Pickett, Andrew C.; Smith, Matthew L.; Boolani, Ali; Stamatis, Andreas; and Papadakis, Zacharias (2022) "Examining the Relationship Between Trait Energy and Fatigue and Feelings of Depression in Young Healthy Adults," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 14, Article 16.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss14/16