The relationship between time perspective and self-regulation: A protocol for a meta-analytical review

Introduction

Both theoretical and empirical evidence suggests that time perspective is likely to inluence self-regulatory processes and outcomes. Despite the theoretical and practical signiicance of such relations, the relationship between time perspective and self-regulatory processes and outcomes across different measures, samples and life domains, including health, has yet to be explored.

Methods and analysis

The proposed review will develop a taxonomy for classifying measures according to the selfregulatory process, ability or outcome that they are likely to relect. Electronic scientiic databases will be searched, along with relevant conference abstract booklets and citation lists. Additionally, a call for unpublished data will be submitted to relevant bodies. To be eligible for inclusion, studies must include a measure of time perspective and a measure of at least one self-regulatory process, ability and/ or outcome. Eligibility will not be restricted by publication date, language, type of sample or setting. The bivariate correlations will be extracted (or calculated) and submitted to a random-effects meta-analysis. The sampleweighted average effect size, heterogeneity, risk of bias and publication bias will be calculated, and the effects of categorical and continuous moderator variables on the effect sizes will be determined.

Ethics and dissemination

The proposed meta-analysis will synthesise previously conducted research; thus, ethical approval is not required. The indings will be submitted for publication in an international peer-reviewed journal and reported as part of the irst author’s PhD thesis. The indings will also be disseminated to the research community and, where appropriate, to other interested parties through presentations at relevant academic and non-academic conferences.