Deviation from Balanced Time Perspective as a Mediating Variable in the Relationship Between Cognitive Distortions and Depression Among a Sample of Benghazi University Students

Abstract

Background: This study examined the pathway through which distorted cognitive processing translates into depressive symptomatology among university students confronting academic and contextual pressures. Method: The research sought to determine whether deviation from a balanced time perspective (DBTP) functions as a mediating mechanism linking cognitive distortions to depression. Using a descriptive correlational design, data were collected from a convenience sample of 222 university students (90 male, 132 female) at the University of Benghazi. Three instruments were administered: the Cognitive Distortions Scale (44 items), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the short Arabic version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (16 items). Data analysis relied on Pearson correlation coefficients and path analysis based on the Baron and Kenny mediation approach. Results: All variables showed statistically significant positive intercorrelations (p ≤ 0.01). Cognitive distortions were correlated with DBTP (r = 0.35) and with depression (r = 0.74), and DBTP was correlated with depression (r = 0.41). Path analysis showed that DBTP partially mediated the link between cognitive distortions and depression, with a modest indirect effect (0.06) alongside a considerably larger direct effect (β = 0.68). Together, the model accounted for 57% of the variance in depression scores. Conclusion: The findings suggest that imbalance in time perspective operates as a meaningful mechanism through which cognitive biases are channeled into emotional disturbance. This supports the recommendation that university counseling centers incorporate time perspective therapy as a complement to conventional cognitive-behavioral treatment approaches