Role of time perspectives and self-control on well-being and ill-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multiple mediation model

Abstract

Background A growing body of evidence indicates that the outbreak of COVID-19 has had a significant influence on individuals’ cognition, emotion, and psychological health. This study aims to explore the effect of the association between time perspectives and self-control on the well-being and ill-being among college students in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted an online survey involving 1,924 participants in mainland China during the outbreak of COVID-19. A series of self-rating questionnaires measuring the perceived impact of COVID-19, time perspectives, self-control, as well as the statuses of well-being and ill-being were administered. Multiple indirect effects of time perspectives and self-control on well-being and ill-being were analysed through structural equation modelling. Results The present-hedonistic time perspective (an orientation on immediate impulses of pleasure) meditated the effects of perceived impacts on both well-being and ill-being, and the future time perspective (considering the outcomes of actions and decisions) mediated the effects on well-being. Moreover, the mediating effects were further mediated by self-control. Specifically, the impact of the future time perspective on ill-being was fully mediated by self-control (β = 0.01, p < 0.01). Conclusion Based on the results, it is evident that the present-hedonistic time perspective, the future time perspective, and self-control are related to higher levels of well-being and lower levels of ill-being, thereby providing further insight into the theoretical framework of time perspectives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, our findings provide practical implications for psychological interventions during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the effects of time perspectives and self-control on the well-being and ill-being of different individuals.

Time Perspective Latent Profile Analysis and Its Meaning for School Burnout, Depression, and Family Acceptance in Adolescents

“…Notably, the recently published study by Zong and colleagues [42] also confirmed the significant role of the future and present hedonistic perspective on the association between perceived adverse COVID-19 impact and self-control, well-being, and ill-being. Interestingly, the findings indicated that the positive impact of having a future time perspective depends on the context, e.g., individuals under severe stress experience negative emotions and anxiety despite their high future time perspective.…”

“…It is also positively related to self-regulation and goal setting [ 41 ] and is a positive predictor of academic achievement at school and university levels [ 23 ]. Future-oriented individuals are able to accurately formulate their future goals and anticipate the future implications of current decisions and behaviors [ 42 ], which is associated with resilience to distractors and the ability to wait for deferred rewards. These traits imply that future-oriented individuals have high self-esteem, intrinsic motivation to learn, and a strong sense of mastery.…”

Effects of physical exercise on adolescent short video addiction: A moderated mediation model

“…Further study indicates that adolescent SVA may also be a result of stress and dissatisfaction with basic psychological needs [ [86] , [87] , [88] ]. According to the "compensatory loss hypothesis", being confined to their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic further reduces emotional regulation and SC [ 89 ], and adolescents may resort to "pathological" forms of addiction such as short videos [ 75 ], thereby increasing the likelihood of addiction during this period [ 90 , 91 ].compensation [ 75 ], thereby increasing the odds of addiction during this period [ 90 , 91 ]. If adolescents' SC can be improved, it may reduce SVA behaviour [ 92 ].…”