title: A longitudinal analysis of stress among incoming college freshmen.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objectives of this study were to: (1) examine changes in stress during first semester among freshmen undergraduates and (2) identify predictors of stress (coping strategies, emotional states, and quality of sleep).
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred ninety-seven freshmen students were recruited for a 10-week study during first quarter (October-December, 2015).
  
  
  METHODS
  Students completed weekly self-report surveys on stress, coping strategies, emotions, and quality of sleep. A generalized linear mixed model was used for analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Stress was elevated during examinations periods. Women reported a greater stress level than men. Increased stress level was significantly associated with lower sleep quality and greater negative emotions (fear, anger). Exercise was an effective stress coping strategy, while other coping methods (Internet usage, meditation, and self-isolation) were associated with higher stress. Social media usage did not influence stress level.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Future stress management programs for freshmen need to consider gender differences and may focus on sleep, exercise, and decreased general Internet usage.
authors.affiliation: a ElevateU , Los Angeles , California , USA.
authors.forename: Renee
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Garett
authors.affiliation: b Department of Family Medicine , University of California Institute for Prediction Technology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) , Los Angeles , California , USA.
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: b Department of Family Medicine , University of California Institute for Prediction Technology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) , Los Angeles , California , USA.
authors.forename: Sean D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Young
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Emotions; sleep quality; social media; stress; stress coping; university students