Time perspective and smartphone addiction among college students: the mediating role of perceived stress

Smartphone addiction (SA) is a prevalent behavioral concern among college students, with evidence of serious consequences for mental health and academic performance. Research has established stress as a major risk factor of SA. Two prior studies also indicated that time perspective, i.e., views of past, present, and future, is a factor behind SA. The present research aimed to further examine the association between time perspective and SA, and the potential role of perceived stress as a mediator of this relationship.

In total, 186 Chinese college students completed an online survey that included a short-version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale, a 30-item, six-dimensional version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (S-ZTPI) and the Perceived Stress Scale.

Path analyses were consistent with a model where the association between deviations from the balanced time perspective (DBTP) and SA is mediated by stress. Analyses involving separate S-ZTPI dimensions indicated that Past Negative and Future Negative were uniquely associated with increased risk of SA via stress, while Future Positive may have a protective role. Unexpectedly, Past Positive showed a significant positive direct effect on SA.

The results reinforce prior findings that time perspective biases are a risk factor of SA, mainly through increased levels of perceived stress. Longitudinal studies in diverse cultural settings are required to validate the links among the study variables. Based on the current results, reducing past negative and future negative attitudes, while supporting a positive future perspective, may form part of interventions targeting smartphone addiction.