IMPACT OF ZEST AND CURIOSITY ON PROACTIVE BEHAVIOR AND SLEEP QUALITY AMONG MALE AND FEMALE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: Zest and curiosity are vital psychological character strengths that influence engagement, motivation, and overall well-being. However, limited research has examined their combined impact on proactive behavior and sleep quality among undergraduate students, particularly in South Asian contexts.

Objective: To investigate the impact of zest and curiosity on proactive behavior and sleep quality among male and female undergraduate students, and to examine gender and academic year differences.

Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed with undergraduate students (N = 386) from Fazaia Bilquis College of Education for Women. Standardized instruments including the Zest for Life Scale, Curiosity and Exploration Inventory-II, Proactive Personality Scale, and Sleep Quality Scale were administered. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and linear regression analysis.

Results: No significant gender differences were found in zest (p = 0.56), curiosity (p = 0.23), proactive behavior (p = 0.48), or sleep quality (p = 0.57). First-year students demonstrated significantly better sleep quality (p < 0.001), while final-year students exhibited significantly higher proactive behavior (p = 0.01). Regression analysis revealed that sleep quality significantly predicted zest (R² = 0.23, p < 0.001), explaining 5% of the variance. However, zest and curiosity showed non-significant direct impacts on proactive behavior. Academic stress and environmental factors appeared to moderate these relationships.

Conclusion: While zest and curiosity are positively associated with proactive behavior and sleep quality, their direct impact is limited in undergraduate populations. Sleep quality emerged as a more robust predictor of zest. Future interventions should address academic stress and environmental factors to enhance well-being and promote healthy sleep habits among students.