An Analysis of Physical Activity as a Potential Moderator of Work-School Conflict on Sleep Quality, Incivility, and Caffeine Intake

Work-school conflict (WSC) is a challenge facing many working college students. The increasing demands of work and school and hence WSC negative influence students’ academic performance (Markel & Frone, 1998), increase their anxiety, stress and depression (Frone, 2000), and lower job and school satisfaction (Butler, 2007). Physical activity has been found to buffer stress (Weir, 2011) and therefore could potentially moderate the influence of workschool conflict on a variety of student outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the negative effects of WSC, the positive effects of physical activity, and the interaction of both on sleep quality, caffeine intake, and incivility. College students (N=87) participated in a six-questionnaire online survey. Results revealed no moderation of WSC by Physical Activity for any outcomes; however, WSC was negatively related to sleep quality and caffeine intake was positively related to incivility