Future self-continuity and lying flat tendency among undergraduate students in Malaysia: The mediating role of grit

Chan, Lee Yi and Ho, Si Qing and Tan, Qian Yine (2026) Future self-continuity and lying flat tendency among undergraduate students in Malaysia: The mediating role of grit. Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

The present study examines psychological factors associated with the “lying flat” tendency among undergraduate students in Malaysia, a disengagement-oriented response characterized by reduced striving and withdrawal from competitive demands. Given the rising levels of psychological distress among undergraduates, understanding this phenomenon has become increasingly important. This study focuses on future self-continuity (FSC) and grit as key predictors of lying flat tendency. Although both constructs are theoretically linked to motivation and engagement, their combined role in explaining lying flat tendency remains underexplored. Thus, the research paper is intended to explore the connections among FSC, grit, and lying flat tendency and to determine the mediating effect of grit. A cross-sectional survey design with unrestricted self-selected sampling was employed to collect 129 responses. The Future Self-Continuity Questionnaire (FSCQ), Short-Grit Scale (Grit-S), and Lying Flat Tendency Scale (LFTS) were utilised to measure the variables. Pearson product-moment correlation (PPMC) and Hayes PROCESS macro (Model 4) were used to analyse the final data. The findings showed a significant positive correlation between FSC and grit, and a significant negative correlation between grit and lying flat tendency. FSC was also negatively correlated with lying flat tendency. The mediation analysis showed an indirect mediation, where the direct effect of FSC on lying flat tendency was non-significant, while the indirect and total effects were significant. These results emphasize the significance of grit as a psychological process that combines future thinking with reduced disengagement, and they can be applied in practice to enhance student motivation and well-being.

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