Futureproofing and stress in students: a longitudinal study

Abstract

Stress is an inevitable part of daily life. Given the negative implications of chronic stress, it is important to be able to cope with stress. In this study, futureproofing, a self-regulation strategy that involves the prediction of future obstacles to goals and taking steps to prepare for them, was studied as a possible method for dealing with stress over time. Specifically, the study aimed to explore the effects of futureproofing on perceived stress over time, as well as the impact of futureproofing on situation appraisals. To do so, a longitudinal study tracking university students’ stress levels over a semester was conducted. Multilevel modelling revealed different effects of futureproofing, foresight and proactive prevention on stress across a situation-specific and a global measure of stress – futureproofing and its subscales were found to be more relevant to a situation-specific measure of stress. Also, futureproofing and its subscales were found to significantly increase centrality appraisals, and foresight was found to increase challenge appraisals over time, but higher levels of foresight also reduced the gain in challenge appraisals over time. These results indicate that contrary to expectations, futureproofing might increase levels of situation-specific stress. The implications of these findings are discussed.