Mediating effects of self-control and sleep quality on the association between social jetlag and mental health in adolescents

Anxiety and depressive symptoms are prevalent among adolescents. Social jetlag has been recognized as a potential risk factor for mental health issues. However, the mechanisms underlying social jetlag and mental health remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the associations of social jetlag with anxiety and depressive symptoms in adolescents. The mediating effects of sleep quality and self-control on these associations were also examined. A cross-sectional study was conducted. In total, 633 adolescents completed an online survey. Social jetlag, sleep quality, self-control, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Dual-Mode of Self-Control Scale, Self-rating Anxiety Scale, and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, respectively. Multiple linear regression and mediation analyses were performed. The results show that female adolescents experienced higher levels of social jetlag, poorer sleep quality, lower self-control, more severe anxiety and depressive symptoms than male adolescents. Social jetlag was a significant predictor of sleep quality, self-control, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Notably, sleep quality and self-control had a chain-mediating effect on the associations of social jetlag with anxiety and depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents. These findings provide evidence for the development of targeted interventions to improve the mental health of adolescents. Reducing social jetlag and improving sleep quality and self-control may be relevant for mitigating anxiety and depressive symptoms.