The relationship between bedtime procrastination, future time perspective, and self-control

Future time perspective (FTP) refers to an individual’s tendency and attitude to strive for future goals and rewards, which plays a crucial role in predicting the likelihood of achieving desired well-being outcomes. Prior research has shown that FTP contributes to health behaviors through changes in self-control. However, it remains unknown whether bedtime procrastination (BP), a specific type of health behavior procrastination, is affected by FTP through self-control. Therefore, this study aimed to examine this pathway in a sample of college students. A total of 583 effective participants completed the survey. The Bedtime Procrastination Scale was used to assess BP, the future dimension of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI-F) and the General Future Time Perspective Scale (G-FTPS) were used to estimate FTP, and the Self-Control Scale was used to estimate self-control. The results obtained from the correlation analysis indicated that ZTPI-F and the five dimensions of G-FTPS were negatively associated with BP. Hierarchical regression and structural equation modelling analyses further suggested that FTP independently predicted BP partially through the mediating effect of self-control. Participants with more FTP orientation had higher levels of self-control, which suggested they would less frequently engage in BP behaviors. Two dimensions (behavioral commitment and far-reaching goal orientation) of the G-FTPS were mainly involved. These findings indicate an important role for FTP in health behaviors through changes in self-control. In the case of BP, self-control can mediate its relationship with FTP, which could help design individualized interventions to avoid BP.