Predictors of Anxiety Trajectories in Cohort of First-Year College Students

Objective

The transition to college is a period of growth and vulnerability for young adult health and well-being and provides a critical window for potential behavioral interventions. In this study, we sought to examine the trajectory of anxiety symptoms and their association with individual characteristics, exposure to stressors, and sleep behaviors during the transition to college.

Method

We recruited full-time, incoming undergraduate students at a university in the northeastern United States to participate during the first semester of college between October 21, 2022, and December 12, 2022. In a longitudinal cohort study (N = 556), we collected baseline demographic and health history information and weekly survey assessments with the outcome measure of anxiety. Predictors included weekly stressors and sleep measures during this period. Mixed-effects linear models were used to examine trajectories in anxiety symptoms during the first semester of college.

Results

We had 6 main findings. First, there were significantly higher anxiety symptoms in non-male participants compared to male participants. Second, a previous mental health diagnosis and previous traumatic exposures were significant predictors of anxiety symptoms. Third, the personality traits of extraversion and neuroticism were significant predictors of anxiety symptoms. Fourth, perceived sleep duration, quality, and satisfaction were significant predictors of anxiety symptoms. Fifth, sleep duration estimates collected by a biometric wearable were also a significant predictor of anxiety in covariate-adjusted, corrected models. Sixth, weekly stressors and specifically academic stressors were significant predictors of anxiety symptoms.

Conclusion

Programs that support young adults entering college may promote sleep hygiene behaviors and target times of particularly elevated stress such as examination periods.

Plain language summary

Starting college is a major life transition for young adults, making it an important period for promoting healthy behaviors. In the Lived Experiences Measured Rings Study (LEMURS), we found that individual characteristics like gender, personality, mental health diagnoses, and past traumatic experiences predicted level of anxiety in a first-year college cohort during their first semester at a public university in the northeastern United States. The study also found that several weekly factors strongly predicted anxiety. Specifically, each additional hour of reported sleep was associated with a 0.589-point decrease in anxiety, while each additional hour of objectively recorded sleep reduced anxiety by 0.491 points. Poor sleep quality and low sleep satisfaction were linked to increases in anxiety by 1.176 and 1.348 points, respectively, and the presence of academic stressors, such as papers or exams, increased anxiety by 1.352 points. These results highlight the critical role of both sleep and academic stress in shaping students’ mental health during their transition to college.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

We worked to ensure that the study questionnaires were prepared in an inclusive way. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science. We actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our author group. We actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our author group. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our reference list. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our reference list. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented sexual and/or gender groups in science. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as living with a disability.