Abstract
The chronic experience of time poverty is a widespread global phenomenon with detrimental effects on cognition and well-being. However, its impact on individuals’ perceptions of their own humanity remains unexplored. We hypothesized that time poverty exacerbates self-dehumanization by undermining belief in free will. Across four studies (N = 994), we tested this hypothesis. Study 1 demonstrated a positive correlation between time poverty and self-dehumanization. Study 2 found that recalling a rushed experience heightened self-dehumanization compared with both the low and the control conditions. Study 3 employed a measurement-of-mediation approach to examine the mediating role of belief in free will, with Study 4 further establishing the causal mediation effect of belief in free will through a manipulation-of-mediator design. Notably, these effects persisted after controlling for potential confounds, including scarcity-related factors (financial poverty, perceived socioeconomic status, objective time poverty and low social connectedness), an individual-difference factor (money prioritization) and an affective factor (general mood). These findings illuminate the unforeseen psychological costs of an accelerated lifestyle, emphasizing the profound impact of time poverty on self-perceptions.