Hassles predict physical health complaints in undergraduate students: a dynamic structural equation model analysis of daily diary data

Abstract

Objective Daily hassles and physical health complaints are common among undergraduate students, and both are related to negative academic and psychosocial outcomes. However, the extent to which hassles or health complaints persist from day to day is underexplored, and studies examining whether hassles predict health complaints or vice versa, are lacking. This study aimed to examine the temporal stability and to define the temporal relationship between daily hassles and health symptoms in undergraduate students. Design Participants (n = 255, mean age = 19.2 years, 69% female, 53% White) completed 14 consecutive daily diaries of hassles and health complaints. Main Outcome Measures Daily reports of the Brief College Students Hassles Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-15. Results Hassles and health complaints demonstrated stability through autocorrelations. Hassles significantly predicted subsequent health complaints, but health complaints did not significantly predict subsequent hassles. However, the two paths did not differ significantly. Conclusion Students reporting elevations in one or both domains may benefit from interventions aimed at reducing daily hassles, in order to promote better perceived health and well-being.