Self-reported body-rocking and other habits in college students

A brief survey of eight motor habits, including body-rocking, was administe red to two large samples of college undergraduates. A subsample was reteste d to establish survey reliability and validity. Those indicating engagement in body-rocking were interviewed about their body-rocking. Two psychopatho logy instruments were administered. The general prevalence of self-describe d body-rocking was higher than expected, and there were positive correlatio ns among the eight habits. Body-rocking was usually related to negative aff ect and usually reported to begin during the school years and later. Many i ndividuals said other family members engaged in body-rocking. Psychopatholo gy assessments indicated higher levels of general distress and higher preva lence of Generalized Anxiety Dsorder in this subsample compared with a grou p not reporting body-rocking.