Negative life events, sleep quality and depression in university students

Abstract

The rate of depression among university students is increasing. University students experiencing negative life events are at risk of developing depression, which could further decrease their academic engagement. In addition, negative life events are often accompanied by sleep problems. This study used a cross-sectional design to explore the complex relationships among negative life events, sleep quality, and depression in university students, with a particular focus on whether sleep quality serves as a mediating factor in the association between negative life events and depression. Three self-report scales were completed by 828 participants recruited from three universities. The results revealed that negative life events and sleep quality had a significant effect on depression separately and that sleep quality played a mediating role in the relationship between negative life events and depression in university students. Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationships among negative life events, sleep quality, and depression and has important implications for the prevention and intervention of depressive symptoms in university students. By acknowledging the role of negative life events, educators and counselors can be more proactive in identifying students who may be struggling and providing them with the necessary support. By understanding the mediating role of sleep quality, university students can more effectively recognize and manage their mental health needs and cultivate resilience strategies to handle stressors to reduce their risk of developing depressive symptoms.