Time perspective, psychological distress, and self-regulation: A mediation model

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate a conceptual model of psychological distress (PD), positioning time perspective (TP) as an antecedent variable and self-regulation—operationalized through self-control and impulsivity—as mediators within the proposed framework. A sample of 453 Argentine adults (69% female), aged 18 to 60 years (M = 32.47, SD = 12.04), completed validated measures of TP, self-control, impulsivity, and PD. Correlational and path analyses revealed that TP dimensions are significantly related both self-regulation and PD. Specifically, future and positive past orientations were associated with higher self-control and lower distress, while negative past and hedonistic present orientations predicted lower self-control and greater distress. Final model demonstrated good fit and explained 41% of the variance in PD. These findings support the conceptualization of TP as a personality trait influencing self-regulation processes, which in turn affect psychological well-being. The study highlights self-control as a modifiable protective factor and underscores the importance of integrating personality variables into models of psychological distress.