The effect of future self-continuity on intertemporal decision making: a mediated moderating model

This study explores the moderating effect of self-concept clarity on the influence of future self-continuity on intertemporal decision-making and the mediating effect of future outcome consideration. Study 1 (n=370) used questionnaires, showing future self-continuity negatively predicted time discount rate, and self-concept clarity negatively moderated this relationship. Study 2 (n=234) experimentally manipulated future self-continuity, revealing self-concept clarity negatively moderated the impact of future self-continuity on future outcome consideration, which mediated the moderating effect on intertemporal decision-making. The findings suggest future self-continuity negatively impacts time discount rate, and self-concept clarity indirectly regulates this effect through future outcome consideration.

Ying Yang, Liangxiangwan Zhang, Weiguo Qu, Wei Fan