Effect of Executive Function on Depressive Symptoms in College Students: The Chain Mediating Role of Procrastination Behaviour and Sleep Quality

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to analyse the association between executive function (EF) and depressive symptoms (DS) among college students and explore the roles played by procrastination behaviour (PB) and sleep quality (SQ) in this relationship.

Methods: Convenience sampling was adopted in this study. A total of 1618 college students (658 male, 960 female; mean age = 18.987 ± 1.305 years) completed self-administered questionnaires to assess DS and related factors. The Geurten-Questionnaire of Executive Functioning in Chinese College Students, General Procrastination Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Self-rating Depression Scale were used for the measurements. Normality test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Spearman correlation analysis, multicollinearity tests and Model 6 of the PROCESS macro program were employed for data analysis.

Results: The median score for DS was 47 (interquartile range: 37–58). Place of residence and being an only child were influencing factors of DS among college students (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were observed among executive function deficits (EFD), PB, sleep disturbances (SD) and DS in pairwise comparisons (r = 0.380–0.570, p < 0.01). Analyses revealed that the total indirect effect (0.178) accounted for 31.34% of the total effect (0.568). The indirect effect of EFD on DS through PB was 0.071 (95% CI = 0.042–0.101). The indirect effect of EFD on DS through SD was 0.072 (95% CI = 0.054–0.093). Meanwhile, the mediating effect through PB and SD was 0.035 (95% CI = 0.023–0.046).

Conclusion: A relatively high prevalence of DS was observed among college students. EFD influenced the DS of college students through the mediating or chain mediating effects of PB and SD, thus providing a theoretical basis for improving the mental health level of college students.