DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/AXFK-MH53
Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0002-1898-6985
Defense Date
2020
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Joshua Langberg, PhD
Second Advisor
Heather Jones, PhD
Third Advisor
Bruce Rybarczyk, PhD
Fourth Advisor
Cecelia Valrie, PhD
Fifth Advisor
Jennifer Accardo, MD
Abstract
Many adolescents do not receive recommended amounts of sleep, and prevalence rates of sleep problems are particularly high among adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). One factor that may contribute to these sleep difficulties is technology use, and there is some evidence that the association between technology use and sleep may be bi-directional. Further, type of technology use (i.e., passive versus active) may be differentially associated with sleep. To date, most studies have evaluated these associations cross-sectionally and relied upon global and subjective ratings of technology use and sleep, which masks important day-to-day variability. The present study evaluated bi-directional associations between passive and active technology use and sleep (measured subjectively and objectively), and to determine whether these associations differ between adolescents with and without ADHD. The study involved a large (N=302) sample of eighth grade students, approximately half of whom were comprehensively diagnosed with ADHD. Importantly, a multi-method approach was used to assess sleep, including daily diary and actigraphy data. Results indicated that adolescents with ADHD engaged in greater levels of weekday active technology use than those without ADHD. Weekday passive technology use was positively associated with sleep duration only in adolescents without ADHD. In addition, poorer weekday sleep quality was associated with less passive but more active next-day technology use, regardless of ADHD diagnosis. Overall, the association between technology use and sleep is nuanced but not stronger in adolescents with ADHD, despite a greater amount of weekday active technology use. Clinical implications for adolescents, parents, and healthcare providers are discussed.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-4-2020