Circadian functioning and time perspectives: associations with eveningness, morning affect, and amplitude distinctness

Abstract

Well-established correlates of morningness-eveningness include those of morningness with more future Time Perspective (TP), and eveningness with more present TP. However, research into these relationships has used unidimensional measures of morningness-eveningness. So, the current study aimed to further understanding by assessing associations between TP and the separate components of Morning Affect (MA: alertness/sleep inertia after awakening) and Distinctness (DI; amplitude of diurnal variations of functioning), in addition to Eveningness (EV; time-of-day preference). Chinese university students (N = 299, aged 18–25, 94 males, 205 females) completed an online survey with questionnaire measures of TP, MA, DI, EV, and other measures including mind wandering, conscientiousness, life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, and sleep quality. Previously demonstrated correlations were replicated, including positive correlations between Future TP, conscientiousness, and life satisfaction, and Past-negative TP and more negative affect. MA positively correlated with Future TP, and negatively correlated with Past-negative TP and Deviation from Balanced Time Perspective (DBTP); DI positively correlated with Past-negative TP, and with DBTP, and negatively correlated with Future TP; EV positively correlated with Present-hedonistic TP, and negatively correlated with Future TP. The EV-Future TP association was mediated by MA. Path models were consistent with the view that the relationship between EV and less Future TP may involve impaired functioning and reduced self-control/self-regulation associated with experiencing lower Morning Affect. This research shows relationships between time perspectives and specific components of circadian functioning, indicating the value of component-level analysis and the limitations of research utilising unidimensional measures of morningness-eveningness.