Chronotype and social support among student athletes: impact on depressive symptoms

ABSTRACT

Previous studies have shown individuals with evening chronotype to have a greater likelihood for depression (self-reported and clinical ratings), especially in young adults. However, the mechanisms for this relationship remain unknown. Low levels of social support may be a plausible mechanism: young adults with evening chronotypes are awake when others are sleeping, which may lead to feelings of isolation or low support. This study examined links between chronotype, depression, and social support in relationship subtypes within a group of university student athletes. Data were obtained from 189 NCAA Division-I student athletes across all sports. Chronotype was assessed with the Circadian Energy Scale and ranged from −2 (definitely morning type) to +2 (definitely evening type). Depressive symptoms were assessed with Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. Social support was assessed with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, which included subscales for Family, Friends, and Significant Other. A subscale for Team was created using the items from the Friends subscale (changing the word “friends” to “teammates”). Regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, and minority status. More evening chronotype was associated with higher reported depressive symptoms (p = .018), lower overall perceived social support (p = .001), and lower perceived social support specifically provided by family (p < .0001), friends (p < .0001), and teammates (p = .014). However, more evening chronotype was associated with higher depressive symptoms for higher, but not lower perceived social support from significant other. Moreover, chronotype-by-support interactions on depressive symptoms were observed; the statistical relationship between chronotype and depression was evident only in those with low (but not high) social support from friends and teammates. These data suggest that having a more evening chronotype may be associated with social isolation, and decreased opportunities for interactions with friends and teammates. This may contribute to the long-standing circadian association seen with depression in college student-athletes. Interventions aimed at increasing university support networks may reduce the impact of depression in students self-identifying with later chronotypes and sleep schedules.

KEYWORDS:

• Morning/evening chronotype
• depressive symptoms
• perceived social support

Disclosure statement

In accordance with Taylor & Francis policy and my ethical obligation as a researcher, I am reporting that MAG received grants from Jazz Pharmaceuticals and Kemin Foods, and consulting from Fitbit, Natrol, Merck, Casper, SPV, Merck, Sunovion, University of Maryland, and New York University. The sponsors had no role in the design, execution, interpretation, or writing of the study. SP has received grant support from Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Philips Respironics, and Respicardia. The sponsors had no role in the design, execution, interpretation, or writing of the study. OMB discloses that he received subcontract grants to Penn State from Mobile Sleep Technologies/Proactive Life LLC (NSF/STTR #1622766, NIH/NIA SBIR R43-AG056250, R44-AG056250), received honoraria/travel support for lectures from Boston University, Boston College, Tufts School of Dental Medicine, New York University and Allstate, and receives an honorarium for his role as the Editor in Chief of Sleep Health (sleephealthjournal.org). The sponsors had no role in the design, execution, interpretation, or writing of the study. SP has received grant funding through his institution from Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Philips Respironics, and Respicardia. The sponsors had no role in the design, execution, interpretation, or writing of the study.

Additional information

Funding

The Innovations grant, titled “Promoting Healthy Sleep and Circadian Rhythms in Student-Athletes: Mental Health, Social Functioning, and Physical Well-Being” was funded in 2016 by the NCAA.