Sleep disturbance and internalizing symptoms in adolescents: A moderated mediation model of self-control and mindfulness

Abstract

Objectives Despite accumulating evidence regarding the impact of sleep disturbance on internalizing symptoms among adolescents, the underlying psychological mechanisms remain inadequately explored. This study aimed to investigate a conceptual framework elucidating how sleep disturbance influences internalizing symptoms in adolescents through the mediating role of self-control, with mindfulness as a moderator. Methods A total of 1876 Chinese adolescents provided data on sleep-related variables, internalizing symptoms (anxiety and depression), mindfulness, and self-control. Utilizing the Process macro for SPSS, a moderated mediation model was analyzed, positing that sleep disturbance would positively relate to internalizing symptoms, with self-control acting as a mediator and mindfulness as a moderator. Results Sleep disturbance demonstrated a significant positive correlation with internalizing symptoms in adolescents, and self-control emerged as a mediating factor in this relationship. Furthermore, mindfulness moderated the pathways from self-control to internalizing symptoms, while the mediating relationships were weaker for adolescents exhibiting higher levels of mindfulness. Conclusions This study highlights the crucial role of self-control as a mediator in the relationship between sleep disturbance and internalizing symptoms in adolescents. Moreover, it underscores the moderating influence of mindfulness on the pathway from self-control to internalizing symptoms. These findings enhance our understanding of the impact, pathways, and influencing factors of sleep disturbance on internalizing symptoms in adolescents, which also suggest the importance of enhancing mindfulness levels in addressing self-control deficits and subsequently reducing internalizing symptoms among adolescents.