Understanding time as a predictor of mental health, academic performance, and help-seeking behavior among undergraduates: a mixed methods analysis.

Authors

Caitlin McKimmy, Robert J Gallop, Sona Dimidjian

Published in

Journal of American college health : J of ACH. Pages 1-12. Jul 02, 2026. Epub Jul 02, 2026.

Abstract

Objective: This study examines how time pressure (subjective sense of rush) and time scarcity (lack of weekly non-committed hours) relate to mental health and academic performance. Participants: The sample included 646 undergraduates (65.3% female; mean age = 19.4). Method: Participants completed a mixed-methods survey assessing time use, time pressure, mental health, and academic performance at a single time point. Results: We found that time pressure predicts increased anxiety and depression, whereas time scarcity predicts decreased depression. Time pressure predicts poorer academic performance, whereas time scarcity predicted improved academic performance. There was equivocal evidence that time pressure predicts decreased help-seeking for mental health problems. We found preliminary support for the hypothesis that trait mindfulness moderates the relationship between time pressure and mental health symptoms. In addition, qualitative data provided expanded insight into undergraduates' perspectives on time. Conclusions: This study suggests theoretical and practical implications on time perspective and time use.

PMID:
42391524
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 03 Jul 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.