Reciprocal relationships between future time perspective and self-control among adolescents in China: a longitudinal study

Adolescents' future time perspective and self-control have attracted much attention. However, their causal relationship is still unclear since longitudinal studies are lacking. This study aimed to examine the reciprocal relationship between future time perspective (including future-negative, future-positive, future-confusional, future-perseverant, future-perspicuity and future-planning) and self-control among adolescents. Data from a three-wave longitudinal study among 383 Chinese junior and senior high school students (baseline Mage = 14.51, SD = 1.87; 49.5% female) was used. Bivariate correlations revealed that: Future-negative and future-confusional were significantly negatively related to self-control. Future-positive, future-perspicuity, future-perseverant and future-planning were significantly positively related to self-control. Random intercepts cross-lagged panel models revealed that: (1) Future-confusional at time 1 negatively predicted self-control at time 2 and self-control at time 2 negatively predicted future-confusional at time 3; (2) self-control at time 1 positively predicted future-planning at time 2 and future-planning at time 2 positively predicted self-control at time 3. It implies that there are reciprocal relationships between future-confusional, future-planning and self-control. We explained the relationship between future-confusional and self-control by the strength model and the dual motive model of self-control. We explained the relationship between self-control and future-planning using the discounting model of impulsiveness and the hot/cool system of self-control. Interventions targeting adolescents' self-control should involve guiding adolescents to develop long-term goals and providing effective emotion regulation strategies and social support to reduce confusion about the future.

Automated summary

This study examined the reciprocal relationship between future time perspective and self-control among adolescents. The results showed that future-negative and future-confusional were negatively related to self-control, while future-positive, future-perspicuity, future-perseverant, and future-planning were positively related to self-control. The study also found reciprocal relationships between future-confusional, future-planning, and self-control.