The Underlying Mechanisms Of The Relationship Between Time Pressure And Mental Health

The present research shed light on the underlying psychological mechanisms between time pressure and mental health. Why time pressure is associated to mental health and how to temper the negative impact of time pressure on mental health are still not well-known. To make request to these two questions, the research investigated the mediating process and moderating process in the relationship between time pressure and mental health, respectively.Study 1 focused on the mediating effect between time pressure and mental health. Though perceived control of time is a popular variable in the existing literature, many researchers have argued that it is only a weak mediator. This study argued that time structure may be a stronger mediator than perceived control of time. Study 1 then examined and compared the mediating effects of perceived control of time and time structure in the time pressure—mental health relationship in order to identify a stronger mediator in such relationship.Study 2 aimed at the moderating effect between time pressure and mental health. Time management is often regarded as the solution to time pressure. However, the mounting research has questioned its effectiveness. This study suggested that mindfulness may be a promising way to cope with time pressure. Study 2 then examined and compared the moderating effects of time management behavior and mindfulness in the relationship between time pressure and mental health in order to find an effective coping strategy to time pressure.The conclusions are as follows:1. Perceived control of time and time structure can be single mediator in the time pressure—mental health association.2. Perceived control of time and time structure can be parallel mediators in the relationship between time pressure and mental health.3. Time structure is a stronger mediator than perceived control of time.4. Time management behavior can’t temper the negative impact of time pressure on mental health.5. "What" of mindfulness would exacerbate the negative relationship between time pressure and certain mental health indicator.6. "How" of mindfulness can temper the negative impact of time pressure on mental health.