Elucidating the neuroanatomical correlates of social connectedness, sleep quality and psychological distress in early adolescence

Abstract

BackgroundAdolescence is an important period for developing ones sense of self. Social connectedness has been linked to a sense of self which in turn has links to resilience in mental disorders. Adolescence is also a period of increased risk of chronic sleep deprivation during a time of ongoing white matter (WM) maturation. The complex relationship between these variables and their relationship with the onset on mental disorders during adolescence remains largely unexplored. MethodsN = 64 participants aged 12 years (M = 12.6) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Social connectedness scale (SCS) and a diffusion weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan to investigate the relationship of these variables to predict psychological distress via the Kessler psychological distress scale (K10) in early adolescents. Multiple regression analysis was used with K10 entered as the dependent variable and SCS, PSQI, and values of white matter integrity as the predictor variables. ResultsResults showed that while all four variables collectively accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in K10 (41.1%), SCS and PSQI were the only predictors that accounted for a significant proportion of variance uniquely. ConclusionsThese findings suggest interventions aimed at increasing levels of social connectedness and sleep quality during adolescence may reduce psychological distress. Future longitudinal reporting of this combination of variables is suggested.