Risk for Sleep Disorder Measured During Students’ First College Semester May Predict Institutional Retention and Grade Point Average Over a 3-Year Period,With Indirect Effects Through Self-Efficacy

Abstract

The present study used a validated survey to assess freshmen college students’ sleep patterns and risk for sleep disorders and then examined associations with retention and grade point average (GPA) over a 3-year period. Students at risk for a sleep disorder were more likely to leave the institution over the 3-year period, although this association was weakened when covariates were added to the model. Risk for sleep disorder also predicted GPA at the end of Years 1 and 2. Indirect effects emerged through self-efficacy but not depression. When depression and self-efficacy were entered sequentially, a significant indirect effect on GPA emerged through depression followed by motivation in Year 1, but not when the order of mediators was reversed. The data suggested that risk for sleep disorders among freshmen should be considered as a possible modifiable predictor of retention and academic success and that self-efficacy might explain some indirect effects on GPA.