Lindsay Mosberg
Research Mentor(s): Rebecca Dileo
Mentor Department: Psychology
Authors: Lindsay Mosberg, Becky Dileo
Session: Session 5 (2:00pm – 2:50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 106
Abstract
Sleep and physical activity are interconnected behaviors that collectively impact overall health. Sleep and exercise influence each other – regular activity improves sleep (1), while poor sleep reduces motivation to exercise (2) and impairs physical performance (3). Stress influences health behaviors through neurobiological and psychological pathways. Stress and sleep have a bidirectional relationship – poor sleep exacerbates stress-related outcomes, increasing emotional sensitivity (4-6) and cortisol levels, while good sleep supports emotion regulation and reduces stress (7-8). Romantic relationships contribute to these processes. Relationship distress is linked to poorer sleep (9), and couples in high-quality marriages tend to have concordance, or similarity, in both adaptive and maladaptive health behaviors (10). Physiological synchrony, the alignment between partners’ physiological states (e.g., cortisol) may impact well-being and experiences of conflict (11-12), and serve as a nuanced predictor of relationship quality. Poor sleep may heighten emotional sensitivity, increasing stress-related synchrony during conflict. Despite evidence linking stress and health behaviors, and relationships dynamics and health behaviors, gaps remain in understanding how these relationship factors might mitigate the impact of individual stress on health behaviors in the context of romantic relationships. One hundred mixed-gender couples (200 people) will complete an online questionnaire, which will ask questions about their health behaviors, romantic relationship, and sociodemographic information. Additionally, participants will use the Apple Health Export app to obtain objective markers of physical activity (e.g., step count) and upload to the study team. We expect that people who report positive relationship factors will experience less stress related sleep disturbances while people who experience high perceived stress will report negative relationship factors. These factors will be measured by the PSQI, PSS, CSI, and IOS.This study offers both theoretical and practical contributions. Theoretically, it enhances individuals’ understanding of how stress, health behaviors, and romantic relationships interact to influence both physiological and psychological well-being. Findings can inform interpersonal and health psychology frameworks like Interpersonal and Attachment Theory. Results may also guide couple-based interventions promoting healthy behaviors (sleep, physical activity) and stress management. Insights could shape public health policies that support relational well-being, such as flexible work arrangements and mental health resources for couples.
