URI_Research_Magazine_Momentum_Spring_2015_Melissa-McCarthy

Adams suggests that college students who have difficulty setting boundaries around technology use may also be at increased risk for psychological health concerns. “Fear of missing out,” or FOMO, is a medical condition of extreme anxiety linked to high social media usage. “Students who feel compelled to wake up in the middle of the night and answer texts and answer phone calls, you would imagine there’s something about them that’s driving them to feel like they have to stay connected,” Adams says. “And for some of these students I think it really is anxiety — not wanting to be left out or feel like they may miss something.” In 2007, Adams founded URI’s Sleep Research Lab. Her goals in establishing the Sleep Research Lab were two-fold: to conduct research examining the impact of technology on college students’ sleep, physical health and psychological health, and to train undergraduate and graduate students in research. Adams also provides clinical services to children and families experiencing an array of physical and mental health concerns. She utilizes a cognitive behavioral approach to treat children with anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, depressive disorders and other medical issues. Adams also is active in community outreach and regularly conducts workshops on the topic of childhood sleep disorders and anxiety. Her current research involves collaborating with Professor of Psychology Karla Murdock from Washington and Lee University to examine differences in outcomes in students from public and private universities. “I am very dedicated to offering motivated students the opportunity to learn about the research process, with the hope that they continue on in graduate programs or jobs where they can apply their skills,” Adams says. “In the future, I hope that I can expand the Sleep Research Lab to examine objective, physiological markers of sleep while offering overnight sleep studies. As a clinical psychologist, I am invested in helping individuals maximize their potential. One way to do that is to help people get better sleep.”

Sue Adams, Associate Professor Human Development and Fami ly Services

If you are a sleep texter or perhaps merely afraid of becoming one, the easiest and best solutions are the most obvious, advises Adams. Turn off your phone, set your passcode lock or place it on the other side of the room so it’s not within easy reach. And if you need a wake-up call in the morning, then perhaps the best solution may be to buy an old-fashioned alarm clock. “Students who feel compelled to wake up in the middle of the night and answer texts and answer phone calls, you would imagine there’s something about them that’s driving them to feel like they have to stay connected.” - Sue Adams

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Spring | 2015 Page 35