E Earlynn Lauer1, Jessica R Dietch2, Tsz Lun Alan Chu3, Mitch Barton4, Scott B Martin5, Trent A Petrie2, Christy A Greenleaf6, Daniel J Taylor7. 1. Western Illinois University, 1 University Cir. Brophy Hall 221G, Macomb, IL, 61455, USA. e-lauer@wiu.edu. 2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA, 94034, USA. 3. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, 2420 Nicolet Dr, Green Bay, WI, 54311, USA. 4. Dallas Independent School District, 2909 N. Buckner Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75228, USA. 5. University of North Texas, Physical Education Building, 1921 Chestnut St., Denton, TX, 76293, USA. 6. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI, 53201-0413, USA. 7. Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, 1503 E University Blvd., Building, Tucson, AZ, 68, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Weight control behaviors (WCBs) typically involve appearance- or health-driven behaviors that may be influenced by physiological, psychological, or social factors. Sleep disturbances like insomnia are an important area of research for adolescent populations, as early intervention may result in improvements in other physical and mental health domains. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of insomnia, psychosocial well-being, and current WCBs in healthy-weight female adolescents. METHOD: Female adolescents (N = 323; Mage = 12.33 ± .04) who had healthy body mass index (BMI) levels completed self-report items on insomnia, depression, self-esteem, and physical self-concept. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), controlling for age, was conducted to further examine differences in insomnia and psychosocial variables among the WCB groups. RESULTS: Compared to those who were trying to stay the same weight or not trying to do anything about their weight, the girls who were trying to lose weight had significantly greater insomnia and depression symptoms, and lower self-esteem, with small to medium effect sizes. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians working with adolescent girls should include assessments of WCBs in addition to measures of insomnia symptoms, even for adolescent girls within a normal BMI range, as these are common and frequently co-occurring phenomena. Additional research is needed to further disentangle these complicated relationships.
BACKGROUND: Weight control behaviors (WCBs) typically involve appearance- or health-driven behaviors that may be influenced by physiological, psychological, or social factors. Sleep disturbances like insomnia are an important area of research for adolescent populations, as early intervention may result in improvements in other physical and mental health domains. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of insomnia, psychosocial well-being, and current WCBs in healthy-weight female adolescents. METHOD: Female adolescents (N = 323; Mage = 12.33 ± .04) who had healthy body mass index (BMI) levels completed self-report items on insomnia, depression, self-esteem, and physical self-concept. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), controlling for age, was conducted to further examine differences in insomnia and psychosocial variables among the WCB groups. RESULTS: Compared to those who were trying to stay the same weight or not trying to do anything about their weight, the girls who were trying to lose weight had significantly greater insomnia and depression symptoms, and lower self-esteem, with small to medium effect sizes. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians working with adolescent girls should include assessments of WCBs in addition to measures of insomnia symptoms, even for adolescent girls within a normal BMI range, as these are common and frequently co-occurring phenomena. Additional research is needed to further disentangle these complicated relationships.
Entities:
Keywords:
Depression; Mental health; Self-esteem; Sleep; Weight control