Effects and Types of Future-Orientation on Adolescent Health Behaviour and Wellbeing: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Abstract Background Health-related behaviours acquired in adolescence significantly shape health outcomes in adulthood. Future Time Perspective (FTP) and Future Orientation (FO) are critical temporal frameworks influencing these developmental trajectories during a period characterized by heightened risk-taking, yet their conceptualization remains diverse. Objective This systematic review investigates the measurement strategies and definitions of FTP/FO, and synthesizes evidence regarding their direct and indirect relationships with adolescent health behaviours and subjective well-being. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches of electronic databases yielded 18 peer-reviewed empirical studies. Inclusion criteria required studies to examine healthy adolescents (aged 12–19), include an FTP/FO measurement, assess a well-being or health-behaviour outcome, and empirically test their association. Methodological quality was evaluated using Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools. Results Stronger FO and future-focused time perspectives are consistently associated with higher adolescent well-being, health-promoting habits (e.g., physical activity), and lower engagement in health-risk behaviours (e.g., substance use, risky sexual behaviour). Conversely, present-focused orientations link to maladaptive outcomes. FO frequently operates indirectly through self-regulatory mechanisms, including self-efficacy and goal orientation. However, contextual variability exists; notably, future-oriented thinking can exacerbate academic anxiety when coupled with avoidance-oriented perfectionistic goals, and its protective function manifests differently in high-risk environments. Conclusions Future orientation is a key developmental resource promoting self-regulation and long-term consideration in youth. Nevertheless, substantial heterogeneity in measurement, the dominance of cross-sectional designs, and the underrepresentation of disadvantaged populations currently limit causal inferences, highlighting critical gaps for future longitudinal and mixed-methods research.