Future time perspective (FTP), or the way individuals orient to and consider their futures, is considered fundamental to motivation and well-being. Given FTP’s relevance to healthy adaptation, recent work has described its contributing factors, especially age, health, and personality. Yet, the extant literature is plagued by inconsistent FTP conceptualizations and sample characteristics. Specifically, although relationships between FTP and its contributors seem dependent on both FTP conceptualization and sample life-span stage, much existing literature emphasizes differing FTP conceptualizations and young adult samples, complicating cross-study conclusions. As reported in the March 2021 issue of The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, a study was conducted that explored the ways in which age, health, and personality simultaneously contribute to FTP in mid-to-later life with machine-learning techniques.
Until now, no studies regarding how these factors jointly contribute to FTP have been conducted and it is unclear as to whether complex interactions exist among these predictors in their relation to FTP. Personality, especially neuroticism, extraversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness, had the most influence on FTP. Age and health were not among the most salient FTP contributors in mid-to-later life. Furthermore, decision tree analyses uncovered interactive effects of personality. Several profiles of neuroticism, extraversion, and conscientiousness were linked with differing FTP levels. Although current literature has indicated that FTP, age, and health are inextricably tied, these results indicate that there is more variability to be explained in FTP, perhaps especially when looking within specific age groups.
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FUTURE TIME PERSPECTIVE IN MID-TO-LATER LIFE
pertains to a concept regarding how individuals orient to and consider their futures, which is considered fundamental to motivation, well-being, and relevance to healthy adaptation to life’s circumstances. Read More