# The effect of chronotype on social functioning in schizophrenic patients: examining the chain-mediating role of sleep quality and anxiety

## TL;DR

This study explores how a person's natural sleep pattern affects their social abilities in schizophrenia patients, with sleep quality and anxiety playing key roles.

## Contribution

The study identifies a chain-mediating effect of sleep quality and anxiety on the relationship between chronotype and social functioning in schizophrenia.

## Key findings

- Chronotype directly impacts social functioning in schizophrenia patients.
- Anxiety partially mediates the relationship between chronotype and social functioning.
- A chain-mediating pathway involving sleep quality and anxiety also contributes to this relationship.

## Abstract

This study examines the relationship between chronotype and social functioning in individuals with schizophrenia, specifically assessing the mediating roles of sleep quality and anxiety symptoms.

785 Chinese patients with schizophrenia (aged 18-60) completed assessments using the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (chronotype), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (sleep quality), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (anxiety), and Personal Social Performance Scale (social functioning). Hayes’ SPSS process macros were used for analysis.

Significant associations were found, with chronotype directly impacting social functioning. Indirect mediation effects occurred through two pathways: anxiety alone, and a chain involving sleep quality and anxiety.

These findings contribute to understanding how chronotype influences social functioning in schizophrenia, offering insights for recovery support.