Unraveling the bidirectional relationship between sleep problems and externalizing problem behavior in adolescence

Abstract

There is a well-established effect of sleep problems on externalizing problem behavior in adolescence, but whether this relationship is bidirectional remains unclear. Furthermore, the mechanisms driving this relationship are not fully understood. Hence, this study aimed to elucidate the bidirectional relationship between sleep problems and externalizing problem behavior in adolescence and to explore the potential moderating role of socioeconomic status (SES) and mediating role of effortful control in the pathway from sleep problems to externalizing problem behavior. Data from two time points (T1 and T3) of the TRacking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS; n = 2,229) were analyzed using (hierarchical) multiple regressions. The results support a reciprocal relationship between sleep problems and externalizing problem behavior. Contrary to expectations, a lower SES did not amplify this relationship, and while effortful control was significantly associated with externalizing problem behavior, it did not explain the relationship between sleep problems at T1 and externalizing problem behavior at T3. The results highlight the intricacy of the link between sleep issues and externalizing problem behavior and call for further investigation into other potential moderators and mediators. Understanding these relationships can contribute to the development of targeted interventions for adolescents experiencing sleep problems and externalizing problem behaviors.