Effects of time perspective and self-control on psychological distress: A cross-sectional study in an Argentinian sample

Abstract Time perspective (TP) is a fundamental trait of human's psychological perception of time and can affect different aspects of psychological functioning. The current study proposes that TP and self-control can be considered as predictors of Psychological Distress (PD). 328 men and women from Buenos Aires, Argentina, completed the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, which assesses five dimensions of TP, the Self-Control Scale and the Psychological Distress scale. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that past negative, past positive and self-control explain 31% of variance in PD. Afterwards, a path analysis was conducted. Results showed that future, past negative, and present orientations have a direct effect on self-control. Also, PD is predicted by past negative, past positive and self-control. Finally, future, past negative, and present orientations have an indirect effect on PD trough self-control. These findings support the idea that TP is related to self-control and suggest that both, TP and self-control, can be predictors of PD. These results add to the theoretical concept of TP and shed new light on the value of considering self-control as a mediator variable between TP and someone's psychological state. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.