Later Chronotype Correlates With Severe Depression in Indonesian College Students

Abstract

Background and Objective The correlation between late chronotype and depression has been well documented, but reports from the equatorial area, where the sun shines throughout the year with less seasonal variation, are limited. In the present research study, we sought to 1) examine the relationship between the chronotype and mental health symptoms in an Indonesian student population and 2) explore the characteristics of those who lie at the extreme chronotype and psychometry.Methods This is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study including undergraduate students in an Indonesian university (n = 493). We used the Munich Chronotype Questionnaires and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale to assess the chronotype and mental symptoms, respectively. Following this, a follow-up with an in-depth interview on the selected population at the extreme end of the chronotype was performed as an exploratory approach to identify their common characteristics.Results Among the tested parameters, the depression score was significantly associated with chronotype (p = 0.003), replicating previous findings from other areas with higher latitudes. The correlation persisted when males and females were analyzed separately (p = 0.008 and 0.037, respectively). A follow-up qualitative analysis revealed a potential subclinical, unrealized depression among the subjects; our findings revealed the use of smartphones during or before bedtime as a common factor among those with later chronotypes.Conclusions There is a correlation between depression score and chronotype among Indonesian college students, where subjects with later chronotype are more likely to have a higher depression score.

Chronotype Profile, Stress, Depression Level, and Temporomandibular Symptoms in Students with Type D Personality

“…Similar conclusions have been made in the studies by Romo-Nava who observed that female academic stress and evening chronotype were the factors associated with an increased risk of developing a depressive episode [ 64 ]. Additionally, Supit et al have demonstrated that people with an evening chronotype are more likely to have a high depression score [ 65 ]. Gorgol et al came to similar conclusions, observing that high neuroticism, low conscientiousness, and low alpha stability are the factors that increase this risk, especially among the evening chronotypes [ 66 ].…”