Relationship Satisfaction and Sleep Problems Among Students: Analysis of Jaurequi et al.’s Study Research Paper

Research Question

Today, I would like to present the study “Relationship Satisfaction and Sleep Problems Among College Students: Serial Indirect Effects via Relationship Mindfulness and Negative Emotional Symptoms.” Jaurequi et al.The essence of this study was to investigate the effect of mindfulness on negative emotional symptoms in romantic relationships caused by sleep problems.

Introduction to the Problem

The researchers note that the prevalence of sleep problems significantly increases among college students. For example, approximately 60% of college students report poor sleep quality, 26% experience difficulty maintaining it, 15% struggle with falling asleep, and 8% suffer from insomnia (Jaurequi et al., 2022). In the future, such disorders threaten the development of mental disorders such as depression and a tendency to suicidal behavior. This is a significant problem, as about 45% of the US population aged 18 to 24 are college students (Jaurequi et al., 2022).

At the same time, another significant factor that affects the mental state of young people is romantic relationships. The authors of the article decided to focus on how simple mindfulness in a relationship can reduce these negative aspects. The study examined the direct relationship between non-judgmental present-focused attention, which directly affects relationship satisfaction, and sleep quality.

Research Methods

The sample consisted of 242 college students who were in a relationship at the time of the study. The diversity of gender identity and ethnic groups of the subjects is presented on the slide. The majority of subjects were white (68%), the rest of the ethnic groups included Latin Americans (16%), African Americans (11%), Asian Americans (6%), and Native Americans (0.4%) (Jaurequi et al., 2022).

Almost all of the subjects were cisgender: The study included one transgender person, and one subject refused to define their relationship to the above groups. Women comprised 86% of the subjects, and men 14% (Jaurequi et al., 2022).

Data collection for the study was conducted through an online survey of subjects using Quatrics. Relationship satisfaction, relationship mindfulness, negative mental symptoms, anxious and avoidant attachment, and sleep problems were assessed. Regarding relationship characteristics, subjects rated the presented abstracts on a scale from 1 to 6, negative symptoms on a scale from 1 to 4, and preoccupied and dismissive attachment styles on a scale from 1 to 7, as well as sleep quality on a scale from 1 to 5.

Sample questions for each block are presented on the slide. For statistical data processing, the researchers used structural equation modeling with the full information maximum likelihood (FIML) estimation method. Each indirect effect was tested for significance based on the bias-corrected bootstrap confidence interval (BC CI).

Study Results

During the course of their research, the article’s authors obtained the following results. Hypothetical correlations were confirmed, namely, a negative relationship between relationship quality and negative symptoms, as well as sleep problems. In turn, relationship mindfulness correlated positively with relationship satisfaction and negatively with the other two parameters mentioned above. Sleep problems and negative symptoms were positively correlated. A statistically significant, direct relationship has been demonstrated between relationship dissatisfaction and sleep disorders, as well as between a lack of relationship mindfulness and negative symptoms.

Limitations and Implications

The results obtained have several limitations, including a limited timeframe for collecting data from the given subjects, which is based exclusively on their words. Additionally, researchers did not consider the duration of the relationship, which may also play a role. However, the results ultimately indicate that mindfulness has a significant impact on satisfaction with relationships and the quality of sleep. The result can be implemented in Relationship-Based Sleep therapy.

The Article’s Relationship with the Video

As noted in Jaurequi et al.’s article, the lack of mindfulness negatively affects satisfaction with relations. The video “11 Common Causes of Marital Problems” (Best Legal Choices, 2020) also mentioned that reduced attention from the partner and the lack of dialogue led to a breakdown between partners. According to the video and the article, addressing these problems with the help of a qualified specialist will not only establish relationships but also improve physical well-being.

References

Jaurequi M. E., Kimmes J. G., Ledermann T., Seibert G., Pocchio K. & Tawfiq D. (2022) Relationship satisfaction and sleep problems among college students: Serial indirect effects via relationship mindfulness and negative emotional symptoms. Journal of American College Health, 70(7), 2143-2151.