The Mediating Role of Cognitive Control in the Relationship Between Sleep Disorders and Depressive Symptoms of Early Adolescence in the First and Second High School Students in Ardabil in 2020-2021: A Descriptive Study

Depression in early adolescence is one of the most common problems of this period. Cognitive disorders may be due to lack of control, and cognitive problems and sleep disturbances in depressed people can be due to cognitive control deficits. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the role of sleep disturbance and cognitive control in predicting depressive symptoms in early adolescence.

In the present descriptive study, the statistical population consisted of all first and second secondary school adolescents in Ardabil in the academic year 2020-2021, out of which 200 people were selected using cluster random sampling method, online and through virtual networks, and participated in the study. Data collection tools included the Beck Depression Inventory (II), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory, and the Rudbart et al. Targeted Control Scale. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the data.

The results showed that the direct effect of sleep disturbance and cognitive control on depressive symptoms in early adolescence with beta of 0.53 and -0.54, respectively, was significant (p<0.001). The direct effect of sleep disturbance and cognitive control with beta of -0.49 was significant (p<0.001). Also, the indirect effect of sleep disturbance mediated by cognitive control on depressive symptoms in early adolescence with beta of 0.27 was significant (p<0.001).

In general, it can be concluded that sleep disturbances is related to the depressive symptoms of early adolescence both directly and indirectly through cognitive control. Therefore, improvement in circadian rhythms and cognitive control can be effective in reducing depressive symptoms in early adolescence.