Level Of Distraction Research Articles

Predictors of Sexual Dysfunction, Associated Distress, and Sexual Satisfaction Among Male and Female Patients Living with Anxiety Disorders in Denmark

ABSTRACT Although previous studies have established links between anxiety disorders, sexual dysfunctions, and sexual satisfaction, there is relatively little research on the specific factors associated with living with an anxiety disorder that might contribute to these sexual health disparities. This study assessed the associations between anxiety, cognitive distractions, biased expectancies, and 1) sexual dysfunction (DSM-5 diagnostic criteria) 2) associated distress, and 3) sexual satisfaction while considering the role of pharmacological treatment-related sexual side effects and comorbid depressive symptoms. A large clinical population (N = 207) of people with anxiety diagnoses seeking treatment at 11 outpatient anxiety clinics in Denmark participated. Higher cognitive distraction levels were linked with a greater risk of sexual dysfunction, more sexual dysfunction-associated distress, and lower sexual satisfaction. Higher sexuality and anxiety biased expectancies were associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunctions and associated distress and decreased sexual satisfaction. Higher anxiety symptom severity was only associated with lower sexual satisfaction among female respondents. Higher anxiety sensitivity was linked to a higher risk of sexual dysfunction, associated distress, and lower sexual satisfaction among female participants only.

Steering authority allocation strategy for human-machine shared control based on driver take-over feasibility

Misoperation when a driver is distracted, e.g., turning the steering wheel unconsciously, preventing the machine from turning the steering wheel, etc., can lead to a false take-over of the vehicle, which poses a danger to shared control. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the feasibility of driver take-over in distraction status. This paper proposes a steering authority allocation strategy based on driver take-over feasibility to reduce the interference of distracted driver behavior on shared control. First, a driver take-over feasibility framework is established based on quantified driver distraction levels and take-over intention. Then the shared control system is established based on a linear parameter-varying vehicle model and non-cooperative game theory to suppress the interference of time-varying speed and parameter uncertainty on shared control. Subsequently, the steering authority allocation strategy is constructed in conjunction with driver take-over feasibility and environmental risk evaluation. The proposed sigmoid-based mapping function ensures fast and smooth authority allocation. Finally, a series of driver-in-the-loop experiments are conducted to validate the effectiveness of our proposed strategy across various driving scenarios, and the results demonstrate that our strategy has superior performance than other advanced shared control schemes in reducing steering burden, improving driving safety, and enhancing vehicle stability, etc.

Using mobile EEG to study auditory work strain during simulated surgical procedures

Surgical personnel face various stressors in the workplace, including environmental sounds. Mobile electroencephalography (EEG) offers a promising approach for objectively measuring how individuals perceive sounds. Because surgical performance does not necessarily decrease with higher levels of distraction, EEG could help guide noise reduction strategies that are independent of performance measures. In this study, we utilized mobile EEG to explore how a realistic soundscape is perceived during simulated laparoscopic surgery. To examine the varying demands placed on personnel in different situations, we manipulated the cognitive demand during the surgical task, using a memory task. To assess responses to the soundscape, we calculated event-related potentials for distinct sound events and temporal response functions for the ongoing soundscape. Although participants reported varying degrees of demand under different conditions, no significant effects were observed on surgical task performance or EEG parameters. However, changes in surgical task performance and EEG parameters over time were noted, while subjective results remained consistent over time. These findings highlight the importance of using multiple measures to fully understand the complex relationship between sound processing and cognitive demand. Furthermore, in the context of combined EEG and audio recordings in real-life scenarios, a sparse representation of the soundscape has the advantage that it can be recorded in a data-protected way compared to more detailed representations. However, it is unclear whether information get lost with sparse representations. Our results indicate that sparse and detailed representations are equally effective in eliciting neural responses. Overall, this study marks a significant step towards objectively investigating sound processing in applied settings.

“If You’re Talking, I Think You’re Muted”: Follow-up Analysis of Weekly Peer Review Discussion and Plan Changes After Transitioning From Virtual to In-Person Format

AimsDuring the COVID-19 public health emergency, we previously identified decreased rates of radiotherapy (RT) peer review (PR) discussion and plan changes in virtual versus in-person PR conferences. To expand on these findings, we continued to prospectively collect data on all PR conferences from 2021 to 2023 and performed a follow-up analysis before and after the transition back to in-person PR. Materials and methodsA prospectively maintained database of weekly PR cases was queried for consecutive cases reviewed before and after the transition from virtual to in-person conferences. Rates of PR discussion and change recommendations were summarized and compared between the virtual and in-person groups. A survey was developed and administered to assess participants' perceived levels of engagement, opinions on optimal PR format, and preferences for future meetings before and 3 months after the transition back to in-person PR. ResultsIn total, 2,103 RT plans were reviewed: 1,590 virtually and 513 after the transition back to in-person. There was no difference in faculty attendance between groups. The proportion of cases with PR discussion increased from virtual (9.8%) to in-person (25.5%) format (p < 0.001). In the virtual group, 8.1% of cases had 1 topic and 1.7% had 2+ topics discussed. This increased to 15.8% and 9.7% during in-person PR, respectively (p < 0.001). The rate of change recommendation also increased from 1.5% (virtual) to 3.3% (in-person, p = 0.016). Among cases with at least 1 topic discussed, there was no difference in changes. Survey-reported distraction significantly decreased from virtual to in-person PR (p < 0.001). ConclusionUpon returning to in-person PR conferences, peer discussion and plan change recommendations significantly increased and returned to pre-pandemic levels, and participants’ perceived levels of distraction were reduced. In an increasingly virtual world, additional efforts to develop best practices that maximize PR discussion and minimize distraction outside virtual conferences are warranted.

Research on the effect of control size and location of human-machine interface display on drivers’ multi-resource demands

Interaction by touching a human–machine interaction (HMI) display has gradually evolved into the mainstream mode of human-vehicle interaction. Limiting the level of driver distraction caused by HMIs is an important concern. To explore the different positions and sizes of controls based on the multi-resource demands of the driver, a driving simulator experiment was conducted. The goal was to collect behavioral and subjective workload data from drivers performing secondary tasks under various conditions. Overall, the resources required by the driver to perform secondary tasks were relatively low on the left side of the HMI display and relatively high on the right side. Specifically, the lower-left position of the HMI display required the least resources, whereas the upper-right position required the most. Consequently, the results indicate that the resource demands of the secondary task on the driver decrease as the size of the controls increases. Most drivers preferred a “compromise” control size (18 mm). To reduce the resource demand, the control size of the HMI display should be set to at least 14 mm. This study has high industrial application value, and the results provide guidance for designing in-vehicle HMI displays with improved safety and usability.

Beyond Distracted Eating: Cognitive Distraction Downregulates Odor Pleasantness and Interacts with Weight Status.

Considering the widespread issue of distracted eating, our study investigates how cognitive distraction influences the sensory perception of food-related odors among individuals with varying weight statuses. We conducted an exploratory, randomized, and cross-sectional experimental study, using the Tetris game to simulate real-life cognitive distraction, incorporating two distraction levels (low and high) and presenting five distinct odors. A total of 59 participants, categorized into a lean (n = 30) and overweight/obese group (n = 29) based on their body mass index (BMI), received odor stimuli while playing Tetris at low and high difficulty, corresponding to low and high distraction levels, respectively. Participants subsequently rated odor intensity and pleasantness under the two cognitive distraction conditions. Respiratory movements were monitored to ensure accurate olfactory stimulation. Our findings revealed no significant difference in odor intensity ratings across distraction levels (p = 0.903). However, there was a significant reduction in odor pleasantness under high cognitive distraction (p = 0.007), more pronounced in lean participants compared to those with an overweight status (p = 0.035). Additionally, an interaction between gender and cognitive distraction effects was observed in odor pleasantness perception. The differential effects of distraction across weight-status groups and genders are discussed in the context of hedonic motivation and compensatory mechanisms. This study sheds light onto the sensory mechanisms underlying distracted eating and could inform more personalized strategies for promoting healthier eating habits in a world dominated by distractions.

Designing an Experimental Platform to Assess Ergonomic Factors and Distraction Index in Law Enforcement Vehicles during Mission-Based Routes.

Mission-based routes for various occupations play a crucial role in occupational driver safety, with accident causes varying according to specific mission requirements. This study focuses on the development of a system to address driver distraction among law enforcement officers by optimizing the Driver-Vehicle Interface (DVI). Poorly designed DVIs in law enforcement vehicles, often fitted with aftermarket police equipment, can lead to perceptual-motor problems such as obstructed vision, difficulty reaching controls, and operational errors, resulting in driver distraction. To mitigate these issues, we developed a driving simulation platform specifically for law enforcement vehicles. The development process involved the selection and placement of sensors to monitor driver behavior and interaction with equipment. Key criteria for sensor selection included accuracy, reliability, and the ability to integrate seamlessly with existing vehicle systems. Sensor positions were strategically located based on previous ergonomic studies and digital human modeling to ensure comprehensive monitoring without obstructing the driver's field of view or access to controls. Our system incorporates sensors positioned on the dashboard, steering wheel, and critical control interfaces, providing real-time data on driver interactions with the vehicle equipment. A supervised machine learning-based prediction model was devised to evaluate the driver's level of distraction. The configured placement and integration of sensors should be further studied to ensure the updated DVI reduces driver distraction and supports safer mission-based driving operations.

The impact of cognitive distraction on gustatory perception in volunteers with obesity

Obesity, a global health challenge, is influenced by biological, behavioral, socioeconomical, and environmental factors. In our technology-driven world, distracted eating is prevalent, yet neurocognitive mechanisms behind it remain poorly understood. This study targets individuals with overweight and obesity, exploring taste perception under distraction comprehensively. Participants formed two distinct groups based on their Body Mass Index (BMI), lean and overweight/obese. During the experiment participants received gustatory stimuli while playing a Tetris game of various difficulty levels. Participants rated taste intensity and pleasantness, with linear mixed models analyzing distraction effects. Results confirmed that high distraction levels reduced perception of taste intensity (p = 0.017) and taste pleasantness (p = 0.022), with variations influenced by gender and weight status. Individuals in the overweight/obese group exhibited most profound intensity changes during distraction (p = 0.01). Taste sensitivity ratings positively correlated with BMI interacting with gender (male r = 0.227, p < 0.001; female r = 0.101, p < 0.001). Overall across both groups, female participants demonstrated higher taste sensitivity compared to male participants (p < 0.001). This study highlights the impact of cognitive distraction during consumption on taste perception, particularly in relation to weight status and gender, underscoring their significant roles in this interplay.

Distraction and related risk factors among professional and non-professional drivers

BackgroundDistraction is one of the main driver's behavioral factors that reduces the performance of the drivers and might increase the accident risk. Distraction while driving holds significant importance, especially among professional drivers, and failure to address this matter may result in adverse implications for traffic safety. The present study was conducted to investigate distraction and related risk factors between two groups of private vehicle drivers and taxi drivers. MethodsThis analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in Tabriz, Iran in 2022. The total sample size in this study was 701 taxi drivers, professional drivers, and private vehicle drivers. The independent samples t-test was used to determine the statistically significant difference between groups and its sub-scales between the two studied groups. Moreover, the multivariable linear regression analysis was used to determine the predictors that affect distraction score. The test's level of significance was considered at 0.05. ResultsThe mean distraction score among taxi drivers surpasses that of private vehicle drivers (2.82 vs. 2.32, p-value<0.05). The drivers with negative scores, over the past year, among private vehicle drivers and taxi drivers were 2.5 % and 5.2 %, respectively (p-value<0.05). A group of taxi drivers exhibits a higher level of distraction while driving and the mean distraction score for private vehicle drivers is lower than that of taxi drivers (β = −0.11, CI 95 %: 0.17, −0.05). Also, a history of damage or injury accidents has a significant impact on distraction while driving (β = 0.12, CI 95 %; 0.06–0.17). ConclusionsThe results indicate that distraction while driving is high amongst taxi drivers rather than private vehicle drivers. To have effective driver safety promotion interventions, it is recommended to consider driver distraction based on professional and non-professional drivers.

Intelligent learners distraction and drowsiness prediction through EEG signal and iris angel position with brain vision algorithm

Distraction and fatigue are serious issues in online learning, and they directly impact educational outcomes. To achieve excellent academic achievement, students need to focus on their studies without being distracted or fatigued. Learners frequently overlook crucial information, directions, and concepts while they are passive and sleepy. They tend to miss important content, instructions, and concepts. Iris Angle Position (IAP) and electroencephalography (EEG) were used in this model to identify the behaviour of learners. Specifically, a Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN) is constructed to extract IAP in order to accurately capture the learner’s facial area. EEG signals are effectively handled and sorted using deep reinforcement learning (DRL). The learners’ facial landmarks are retrieved from a frame using the dlib toolbox. Only eye landmark points from face landmarks alone are focused on in order to determine the learner’s behaviour. When the learners EEG signals and Iris positions are monitored simultaneously, it’s helpful to identify the learner’s fatigue state (LFS) and the learner’s distraction state (LDS). The Brain Vision Algorithm (BVA) uses iris position and minimal facial landmarks, along with brain activity, to properly identify the learner’s level of distraction and exhaustion. When a student is detected as being preoccupied or sleepy, an alert goes off automatically, and the educator gets performance feedback. Iris position data and brain-computer interface-based EEG signal values are utilised to identify distraction and sleepiness. Comparative tests have demonstrated that this innovative method offers fast and high-accuracy student activity detection in virtual learning settings. Applying the suggested approach to different existing classifiers yields an F-Score of 91.92%, a recall of 93.87%, and a precision of 92.37% . The results showed that the detection rates for both distracted and sleepy phases were higher than those attained with other currently used techniques.

Effective driver distraction warning system incorporating fast image recognition methods

Modern cars are equipped with advanced automatic technology featuring various safety measures for car occupants. However, the growing density of vehicles, especially in areas where infrastructure development lags, poses potential dangers, particularly accidents caused by driver subjectivity. These incidents may occur due to driver distraction or the presence of high-risk obstacles on the road. This article presents a comprehensive solution to assist drivers in mitigating these risks. Firstly, the study introduces a novel method to enhance the recognition of a driver's facial features by analyzing benchmarks and the whites of the eyes to assess the distraction level. Secondly, a domain division method is proposed to identify obstacles and lanes in front of the vehicle, enabling the assessment of the danger level. This information is promptly relayed to the driver and relevant individuals, such as the driver's manager or supervisor. An experimental device has also been developed to evaluate the effectiveness of the algorithms, solutions, and processing capabilities of the system.

The Effect of Media Distractions on Women During Breastfeeding and Infant Care: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: In modern world, the pervasive use of media technologies has seen a significant increase across various domains. The study aimed to assess the level of distraction among lactating women during feeding and infant care, along with exploring associated factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 120 lactating mothers who visited comprehensive health centers in Zanjan City in 2023. The inclusion criteria were lactating mothers older than 18 years, who were within 42 days postpartum. A multistage sampling method was used for participant selection. Data were gathered using a standard maternal distraction questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test with a confidence level of 95%. Results: The study found that smartphone use (69.7%) was the most common source of distraction for mothers during breastfeeding, while reading books (17.5%) was the least distracting. In addition, 85% of mothers watched television while caring for their babies (except during breastfeeding), and a significant percentage used landline phones (92.5%) and mobile phones (79.2%). It was noted that older mothers tended to be less distracted during feeding or baby care compared with young mothers. Furthermore, maternal attention during baby feeding increased with higher education levels and having more children (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study concludes that young mothers with lower levels of education experience significantly high levels of distraction while caring for their babies or breastfeeding. Given the substantial availability of media products, interventions are needed to raise mothers' awareness about the importance of maintaining eye contact with their babies and implementing strategies for managing distractions.

Do users desire gestures for in-vehicle interaction? Towards the subjective assessment of gestures in a high-fidelity driving simulator

Distracted driving is a major contributing factor to road crashes and is, therefore, an important topic within the field of driving safety. The performance of secondary tasks while driving can lead to distraction, as does the use of functions in the vehicle. Traditional interaction modes like haptic buttons or touch displays require the driver to visually search for the respective items to press or touch. Therefore, modern interaction modes should assess the level of distraction being caused. Previous studies revealed shorter and fewer glances away from the street scenery when using gesture-based interaction. These findings raise hope that driver distraction can be diminished through the use of these features. Of course, one must consider not only those objective parameters but also subjective parameters in order to determine if users will use a system. This study compares gesture-based interaction with touch-based interaction. Participants drove in a high-fidelity driving simulator that used a real vehicle driving on a test track, which allowed for a realistic driving impression. They were asked to rate their subjective impression of both interaction types in terms of acceptance, attractivity, trust and workload. We observed that all parameters were rated more positively when using gestures compared to touch. Therefore, we assume that the use of gestures for in-vehicle interaction seems to be attractive to users.

Cognitive flexibility in urban yellow mongooses, Cynictis penicillata

Cognitive flexibility enables animals to alter their behaviour and respond appropriately to environmental changes. Such flexibility is important in urban settings where environmental changes occur rapidly and continually. We studied whether free-living, urban-dwelling yellow mongooses, Cynictis penicillata, in South Africa, are cognitively flexible in reversal learning and attention task experiments (n = 10). Reversal learning was conducted using two puzzle boxes that were distinct visually and spatially, each containing a preferred or non-preferred food type. Once mongooses learned which box contained the preferred food type, the food types were reversed. The mongooses successfully unlearned their previously learned response in favour of learning a new response, possibly through a win-stay, lose-shift strategy. Attention task experiments were conducted using one puzzle box surrounded by zero, one, two or three objects, introducing various levels of distraction while solving the task. The mongooses were distracted by two and three distractions but were able to solve the task despite the distractions by splitting their attention between the puzzle box task and remaining vigilant. However, those exposed to human residents more often were more vigilant. We provide the first evidence of cognitive flexibility in urban yellow mongooses, which enables them to modify their behaviour to urban environments.

A Study Planning Exercise Associated with Decreased Distraction Levels among Introductory Biology Students.

Students struggle to regulate their learning during independent study sessions. In this study, we ask whether an online behavioral intervention helped introductory students decrease distraction while studying. The intervention consisted of exam 1 reflection, exam 2 planning, and exam 2 reflection exercises. During planning, students formed a goal, mentally contrasted (MC) a positive outcome of their goal to their present reality, identified an obstacle, and formed an implementation intention (II) to overcome that obstacle. During reflection, students self-reported their distraction while studying. Distraction was the most frequently reported study obstacle, and decreasing distraction was the second most frequently reported study goal. While students who aimed to decrease distraction as a goal did not follow through, students who planned for distraction obstacles did follow through on decreasing distraction levels. Only about half of students generated an II that aligned with their study goal, which may provide one reason for the opposing follow-through of distraction framed as a goal versus as an obstacle. Lastly, we examined the specificity of students' II's and found no relationship with follow-through. Overall, MC with II holds promise as a self-regulatory technique to help introductory biology students change their behaviors while studying.

Learning in hybrid classes: the role of off-task activities

Hybrid teaching (synchronous online and on-site teaching) offers many advantages (e.g., increased flexibility). However, previous research has suggested that students who join classes online suffer higher levels of distractibility, which might translate into students engaging in more off-task activities. This, in turn, can impair students’ learning performance. The following quasi-experimental field study investigated this specific link between teaching mode, engagement in off-task activities, and learning performance. We collected survey data from N = 690 students in six hybrid classes (N = 254 online, N = 436 on-site). Participants reported the amount of time they spent engaging in digital and non-digital off-task activities and responded to a quiz on the course material. Results revealed that online students spent more time engaging in off-task activities than on-site students. Further, results were consistent with our hypothesis that joining the class online is associated with lower learning performance via time spent on digital off-task activities.

Advancing ecological validity and clinical utility in virtual reality-based continuous performance test: exploring the effects of task difficulty and environmental distractors.

Researchers have highlighted concerns regarding the limited diagnostic utility and ecological validity of the Continuous Performance Test (CPT). Recent advancements in VR-based CPTs have attempted to address these concerns by simulating real-life scenarios and enhancing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis; however, certain areas require improvement for obtaining reliable data from both healthy individuals and those with ADHD. To tackle these issues, we developed an enhanced VR-based CPT program featuring four distinct difficulty levels, advancing toward home-based assessment. Our feasibility study involved subjects without ADHD to establish a normative profile for VR-based CPT before extending it to ADHD assessment. Our sample included 20 Korean adults. They received a VR device with the VR-based CPT program installed and were asked to perform 1-2 blocks per day at home. Participants were instructed to complete 12 blocks over the subsequent 2 weeks. Psychological assessments and electroencephalograms (EEGs) were administered before and after the program. Post-study usability measures were also collected. Higher commission errors were notably evident in the "very high" difficulty level which featured complex stimuli and increased distraction. A notable correlation emerged between the overall distraction level and CPT accuracy, along with a significant link between intensity scores and commission errors. No significant differences were found in psychological assessment and there were no significant changes in the Theta-Beta Ratio (TBR) index before and after the program. The usability of our program was fair. The study reveals that the newly designed VR-CPT program, simulating diverse real-life environments and offering varying task difficulty levels, proved acceptable and feasible. The key point of our study was that the adjustment and segmentation of difficulty levels in the VR-based CPT were achieved, and that this effort was validated by examining the impact of different levels of difficulty on CPT measures. Implementing this experimental setup in a home-based environment increased ecological validity, as well as clinical utility. Limitations and suggested directions for further investigation are described in detail.

Unraveling the differences in distracted driving injury severities in passenger car, sport utility vehicle, pickup truck, and minivan crashes

Distracted driving poses a significant risk on the roadway users, with the level of distraction and crash outcomes varying depending on the type of vehicle. Drivers of passenger cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), pickup trucks, minivans experience distinct levels of distraction, leading to potential crashes. This study investigates into the severity of driver injuries resulting from distracted driving in these vehicle categories, shedding light on the variations in single-vehicle crashes. Focusing on single-vehicle crashes in Florida during 2019, involving passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans caused by distracted driving, the study examines various distractions such as, electronic communication devices (cell phones), electronic devices (navigation systems, music players), internal and external disturbances, texting, and inattentive driving. To analyze the severity of injuries resulting from distracted driving in passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans, the study employs random parameter multinomial logit models with heterogeneity in means and variances. The model estimates highlight thirty-five significant factors influencing the severity of driver injuries resulting from distracted driving. Notably, the impact of these factors varies significantly depending on the vehicle type (i.e., passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans). While many explanatory variables are specific to each vehicle type, only one factor (restraint belt usage) is common across all vehicle types, with varying magnitudes in injury outcomes. The likelihood ratio tests indicate that injury severity must be analyzed and modeled separately for passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans. Vehicle characteristics play a crucial role in driver distraction and crash outcomes. Analyzing a year of crash data, categorized by four vehicle types, has provided valuable insights into distracted driving patterns in passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans, influencing potential prevention strategies. To combat against distracted driving effectively, priority should be given to driver education and training, roadway design, vehicle technology, enforcement, and automobile insurance. The automobile industry, especially for passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans, should consider implementing advanced in-vehicle technologies tailored to the specific characteristics of each vehicle type (e.g., advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)) to proactively prevent driver distraction. These proactive measures will contribute significantly to enhancing road safety and reducing the risks associated with distracted driving.

Rhythm and Response: Examining the Effects of Music on Reaction Time: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction: A reaction time test measures a person’s response time to stimuli. There has been a noticeable increase in exposure to loud music, which is generally believed to result in functional aberrations over time in healthy individuals. Loud music can improve alertness and arousal in certain situations, but it can also slow down cognitive processes and impede reaction time, especially when it serves as a stressor or distraction. Aim: To offer insights into investigating how music affects reaction time in adults. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted from PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar database from February 2000 to February 2024. The search utilised terms such as “music”, “high volume”, “adult”, “reaction time” and “noise” employing Boolean operators (AND, OR). Articles in which reaction time was measured included in this review, non-english articles were excluded. Results: A total of 2392 articles found from different database, out of which only seven met the inclusion criteria. These studies suggest that listening to loud music may have a negative impact on reaction time. Conclusion: The varying outcomes observed may suggest that the selection of music could have influenced alertness levels, while the presence of different distraction levels might have contributed to neurocognitive alterations, such as delayed responses and impaired bodily functions.

Daily Variation in Sleep Duration, Affect and Emotions in Croatian Youth: An Ambulatory Assessment

Introduction: Sleep habits are related to mood stability and mental health, and adolescence may be an appropriate time to address disturbed sleep patterns because it is a critical period for the onset of psychological problems. Aims: This study had two aims, namely: to explore associations between objectively measured sleep duration and positive and negative affect, as well as specific positive and negative emotions at the within-person and between-person levels in Croatian adolescents. Methods: In the present eight-day study, 102 Croatian adolescents with an average age of 15 years reported how they felt once a day, while sleep duration was objectively measured by collecting data from an accelerometer on participants’ smartphones. Results: Multilevel analyses showed that adolescents express more positive affect (Est. = 0.10, p &lt; .050) and feel less distracted (Est. = -0.12, p &lt; .050) and happier (Est. = 0.11, p &lt; .050) on days when they sleep longer, with a multiverse analysis suggesting that these results are moderately robust. In addition, they express higher levels of negative affect, stress and distraction on school days, and boys seem to experience more positive and fewer negative emotions. Conclusions: A better understanding of daily variations in sleep duration, sleep quality, and affect would promote the development of individualized, particularly smartphone-based, sleep interventions. Such interventions could be a valuable tool for preventing mental health problems in adolescence.