Slaapproblemen en Negatief Affect bij Adolescenten: de Modererende rol van Sociale Acceptatie

Background: The last few years there has been a decline in mental health and an increase in seeking professional help among adolescents. Research has shown that sleep and social support each have a unique influence on the mood of adolescents. An increase in sleeping problems seems to lead to a more negative mood and an increase in social support seems to lead to a less negative mood. However, little is known about the impact of social support on the relationship between sleep and mood among adolescents. The current study aimed to gain more clarity on this process. Method: Using the experience sampling method, adolescents (N= 294, 13-16 years, 58% female) filled in a questionnaire multiple times per day for six days in a row. In these questionnaires they were asked to rate sleeping problems, social acceptance and current mood. Means were calculated and used as trait scores. Three moderation-analyses were executed to shed light on the mechanisms of two kinds of social acceptance: parental and friends acceptance. Results: The analyses suggested that less sleeping problems and more social acceptance, both parental and friends, were associated with a less negative and a more positive mood. However, neither parental, nor friends social acceptance seemed to have an influence on the relationship between sleep and mood. Conclusion: These findings suggest that it is important for adolescents’ mood to get good sleep and to feel accepted by their friends and parents. This in turn can help adolescents while they are waiting for professional help.