Beyond Aggression: The Role of Sleep Deprivation in College Students' Antisocial Behavior

• In Event: Lightning Talk: Crime and the Body: Biological, Psychological, and Emotional Considerations

Abstract

Sleep deprivation has long been associated with cognitive and behavioral impairments, yet its connection to antisocial behavior—particularly behavior beyond aggression—remains underexplored in young adult populations. This study investigates the relationship between sleep quality and antisocial behavior, including proactive and reactive aggression, deceitfulness, impulsivity, and unlawful actions, among college students. Using a modified version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Antisocial Preferences Scale, data were collected from six participants enrolled in upper-level psychology courses at Southern New Hampshire University. A Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between global sleep deprivation scores and antisocial behavior scores, r = .921, p = .009, suggesting that poorer sleep is significantly associated with increased antisocial tendencies. These findings support existing literature on the behavioral effects of sleep loss and extend prior research by highlighting antisocial patterns beyond aggressive behavior. Despite limitations in sample size, the study provides a foundational basis for future research on sleep-related behavioral dysregulation in emerging adult populations and underscores the importance of sleep hygiene in behavioral intervention efforts. Implications for psychological assessment, campus mental health services, and interdisciplinary prevention strategies are discussed.

Author

• Ethan Scroggins, University of Central Oklahoma