Sleep quality and cultural orientation among Chinese and Korean undergraduates in the United States

Abstract

Objective

The present study examined the relationship between cultural orientation styles and sleep quality among Chinese and Korean undergraduates in the United States. Method: A total of 266 participants (M_age = 20.55 years, SD = 1.93; 49% Chinese, 51% Korean) completed an online survey. Ethnic identity and American identity measures were used to categorize participants into one of four cultural orientations: bicultural, Asian, American, and marginal. Sleep quality was assessed using the well-validated Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results: Seventy percent of participants were poor-quality-sleepers. Regression models showed that marginal orientation was associated with worse sleep quality as compared to bicultural orientation and Asian orientation. Conclusions: Poor sleep is prevalent among Asian undergraduates in the U.S. and may be further heightened for those who are disconnected from both their ethnic and American cultures. Promoting a sense of cultural connectedness may help to increase their sleep quality.

Keywords:

• Asian
• college
• culture
• sleep

Acknowledgments

We thank Peiwen Tang, Jennifer Lin, and Friya Bankwalla for useful discussions and assistance in data collection.

Authors’ contribution

MK and HP conceptualized the study and HP oversaw data collection. MK conducted data analyses, interpreted results, and drafted the manuscript with substantial contributions from HP. MK began the study while at Bryn Mawr College and completed the study while at University of California Los Angeles.

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Funding

This research was supported by funding from Bryn Mawr College to HP.