Measuring circadian preference in adolescence with the Morningness-Eveningness Stability Scale improved (MESSi)

ABSTRACT

Differences in daytime preferences are mainly manifested in the variability of sleep and wakefulness. Circadian preference shows a great influence on health and daily routine. Further, circadian preference and chronotype changes throughout the life span. A wide-ranging determination of circadian preference is therefore important. This study presents a validation of the MESSi in adolescents. The MESSi determines the individual circadian phase and amplitude based on three sub-scales: Morningness (MA), Eveningness (EV) and Stability/Distinctness (DI). Based on three studies, the convergent validity of the MESSi was analyzed (N = 215). In study 1 the Pediatric daytime sleepiness scale (PDSS) was applied, in study 2 the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM) and in study 3 the Children’s ChronoType Questionnaire (CCTQ). The MESSi showed a good convergent validity with all sum-scores of the three measurements. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) proved the three-structure model of the MESSi. The fit indices were good (TLI = 0.966, and CFI o = 0.972). The RMSEA was also good with 0.045 and PCLOSE was not significant (p = 0.651). The results support the assumption that the MESSi is a valid instrument with a three-factor structure to measure circadian phase and amplitude in adolescents.

KEYWORDS:

• Adolescents
• circadian preference
• daytime sleepiness
• Morningness-Eveningness-Stability Scale improved (MESSi)
• questionnaire

Acknowledgments

We want to thank the Gymnasia and the pupils that participated in the study. CW and CR are members of the LEAD Graduate School [GSC1028] funded by the Excellence Initiative of the German federal and state governments. We also thank the principals, teachers, pupils and their parents for supporting these studies.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Complying with ethics of experimentation

The research has been conducted in an ethical and responsible manner and is in full compliance with all relevant codes of experimentation and legislation. The study follows the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The principles of the respective schools gave their formal consent, which is required following § 4.1. of the regulation “Werbung, Wettbewerbe und Erhebungen in Schulen“ made on 21. September 2002 (Az.: 6499.10/417) and updated on 28.10.2005. All parents gave their formal written consent for their children, and all participants gave their informed oral consent.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by a grant of the Gips-Schüle-Stiftung. The foundation had no role in the study design, collection, analysis or interpretation of the data, writing the manuscript, or the decision to publish.