Hankamer Professor’s Research Helps Encourage Healthy Habits

Research from a Baylor University – Hankamer School of Business marketing professor was recently highlighted in an article from Business Insider about habits that can negatively impact success for 20-somethings.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), millennials are more likely to experience stress and anxiety than previous generations. In fact, a BDA Morneau Shepell white paper found that 30 percent of working millennials have general anxiety. A recent Business Insider article pinpointed certain habits of millennials that may lead to these anxieties—and then suggested ways to avoid these stressors.

The article turned to research from a 2014 Baylor University study by Marketing Professor James A. Roberts to look at a particular subset of anxiety-inducing habits millennials often display, namely those connected to use of their phones. 

Roberts’ study found that current American students spend roughly nine hours on their phones per day. Although technology can provide a number of improvements to our lives and to society, screen-based entertainment can also increase central nervous system arousal, which can add to anxiety. Of course, phones are often used to check social media, use of which has been linked to low moods and depression.

Other anxiety-inducing habits listed by Business Insider included poor sleep patterns, coffee drinking, sedentary lifestyles, binge-watching TV and not maintaining a proper work-life balance.

The article acknowledges, of course, that many stressors for millennials are out of their control, such as student debt and a tough job market. However, if 20-somethings can grow more adept at managing day-to-day anxieties, like those brought on by overuse of phones, they’ll be better positioned to tackle those factors that are out of their control.

regions: Dallas

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