Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Human Ecology-Personal Financial Planning / Sonya L. Lutter / This study explored the influence of present-fatalism, present-hedonism, and future time perspectives on financial net worth. Time perspective has been shown to influence many behaviors, both non-financial and financial, but this is the first study that evaluated the relationship between time perspective and net worth. Net worth was divided into two variables, a dichotomous variable indicating those who had a negative net worth (defined as a net worth less than or equal to zero) and a continuous variable of the actual dollars of net worth of those who had a positive net worth (defined as a net worth greater than zero). Developing a separate negative net worth variable allowed this study to expand on prior research that focused solely on that aspect of net worth (Chen & Finke, 1996; Mountain & Hanna, 2012). Data was taken from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79), using results primarily from the 2014 survey. A logistic regression was used to evaluate the negative net worth variable (Model 1) while an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was used to analyze the influence on positive net worth (Model 2). This study found that present-fatalism increased the odds that an individual would have a negative net worth, while a future-orientation would decrease those odds. It found that present hedonism and future-orientation contributed to having a positive net worth. Model 1 had a Nagelkerke R Square of .367 and was able correctly to classify 77.2% of those who had a negative net worth (compared to 67.6% using only the intercept). In addition to time perspective findings, several control variables were incorporated into the study. Those who had a higher current income, who were male, who were married, and who owned a home had lower odds of having a negative net worth. Those who had a college education had lower odds of having a negative net worth compared to those with a high school diploma, while those who only attended grade school had greater odds of having a negative net worth compared to high school graduates. Blacks and Hispanics had greater odds of having a negative net worth compared to Whites. Risk tolerance, parent socio-economic status, and age were not significant predictors of negative net worth. Model 2 was significant, with an R² of .419. Risk tolerance, current income, parent socio-economic status, gender, age, marital status, and homeownership all contributed to a positive net worth. Compared to high school graduates, having a college education contributed to a positive net worth while having only a grade school education detracted from having a positive net worth. Being Black or Hispanic, as compared to being White, detracted from positive net worth. The results of this study must be juxtaposed against the limitations, which include the use of proxy variables for time perspective (which may not accurately reflect the constructs), erosion of the longitudinal sample over time, the use of a variable (risk tolerance) from a different year, non-normal distribution of some control variables, and potential endogeneity caused by the inclusion of homeownership as a control variable. Those limitations having been noted, this study found that the strong influence of future-orientation on reducing the odds of having a negative net worth and contributing to positive net worth is significant because it validates the entire concept of financial planning, which proposes that having a future financial path will help clients achieve financial success. It also opens up new possibilities in financial counseling, in that clients may benefit from time-perspective therapy and coaching. In addition, the findings of this study emphasize the positive influence of homeownership on net worth.

Background: Time Perspective is an individual difference variable that is believed to underpin ‘virtually all aspects of human functioning’ (Boniwell & Zimbardo, 2010). Indeed, it has so far predicted a large variety of outcome variables in previous research, including behaviours, attitudes, values, habits and decision-making. However, it has never been tested as a predictor of mood, or in psychiatric disorders. Time perspective theory posits that a balanced time perspective is necessary for healthy functioning. Time Perspective biases, on the other hand, are believed to lead to maladaptive functioning. This thesis investigates whether time perspective does also underpin and predict the most extreme ends of the mood spectrum in bipolar disorder. Participants: Three online studies were conducted with two samples of adults with bipolar disorders and one sample of adults with no mental health diagnosis. Setting: All samples were collected online, from across the world. Objectives: A series of studies investigated various aspects of time perspective theory to establish the relationship between mood and time perspective. Ten research questions were designed to answer questions on time perspective’s ability to differentiate and predict mood, and to find out whether or not it functions differently in normal and abnormal mood. It was also established whether time perspective predicts mood states differentially. Methodology: Regression analyses, MANOVAs, ANOVA and t-tests were performed to answer the research questions. Results: Our time perspective profile does indeed appear to underpin bipolar mood states. All five time perspectives were able to differentiate between four bipolar mood states. When considered separately, the five time perspectives did appear to predict mood states differentially, i.e. different time perspectives were predictors for separate bipolar mood states. Moreover, time perspective does appear to function significantly different in adults with no mental health diagnosis. Conclusions: The results of this series of studies suggests that time perspective indeed also underpins mood and can differentiate between normal and abnormal bipolar mood states. Compared to impulsiveness and BIS/BAS sensitivity, time perspective was able to explain more variance in these samples when used as a predictor.

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The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of a shortened version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) in an African context. This self-report questionnaire, referred to as the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory -Revised Form (ZTPI-RF) consists of 20 items representing the five subscales of the original scale, namely: Past-Positive, Past-Negative, Present-Hedonistic, Present-Fatalistic and Future. The ZTPI-RF was completed by participants (N=1050) from urban (n=451) and rural (n=599) areas in the North-West Province of South Africa, together with a number of measures of psychological well-being. These scales, which were included for criterion-related validity purposes, were the Affectometer 2 (short version) (Kammann & Flett, 1983), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen & Griffin, 1985), Sense of Coherence Scale (Antonovsky, 1987, 1993) and the General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg & Hillier, 1979). Results regarding the reliability and construct validity of the ZTPI-RF and its subscales were unsatisfactory. Qualitative data was also obtained, and analyzed by means of direct content analysis to help establish a picture of how time perspective prevails in an African context, and to determine whether time perspective is associated with psychological well-being. Qualitative results showed that participants from an African context were strongly oriented toward the present and that social support played the most prominent role regarding participants' attitude toward the present. It was concluded that the ZTPI-RF is, in its current form, not reliable for the determination of time perspective of individuals from an African context, and that a longitudinal qualitative approach might be best suited to obtain information about the nature and dynamics of time perspective in an African context. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

In Lithuania, as well as in other countries, psychological studies on time perspective are still making their first steps. Currently, no theoretical paradigm is extensive enough to serve well as a basis for further fundamental and applied research in this field. The goal of this study was to explore the link between time perspective and personality traits in different gender and age groups. To analyse time perspective and personality traits, two independent studies were carried out (N=636 in Study 1, N=153 in Study 2, samples heterogeneous in terms of gender and age). The findings support the assumption that time perspective might be classified as a personality trait. Time perspective and personality traits were found to be closely related, moreover, the results have revealed certain characteristics of time perspective development. In addition, gender differences in time perspective were explored and, finally, an analysis of the relationship between time perspective and certain behavioural variables (alcohol use, smoking, subjective health rating, etc.) was conducted. / Tiek užsienyje, tiek Lietuvoje psichologiniai laiko perspektyvos tyrimai tik prasideda, nėra nė vienos išbaigtos teorinės paradigmos, kuria remdamiesi šios problemos tyrėjai galėtų telktis fundamentaliems ir taikomiesiems tyrimams. Šio tyrimo tikslas: nustatyti vyrų ir moterų laiko perspektyvos sąsajas su asmenybės bruožais skirtingais amžiaus tarpsniais. Buvo atlikti du tyrimai, kuriuose dalyvavo 636 ir 153 žmonės (abiejų lyčių, įvairaus amžiaus), buvo tirta jų laiko perspektyva ir asmenybės bruožai. Tyrimo rezultatai leidžia daryti išvadą, kad laiko perspektyva, tikėtina, yra asmenybės bruožas. Nustatytos tamprios sąsajos tarp laiko perspektyvos ir asmenybės bruožų, tyrimo rezultatai leidžia spręsti apie kai kuriuos laiko perspektyvos raidos ypatumus. Išnagrinėti laiko perspektyvos skirtumai vyrų ir moterų grupėse, taip pat laiko perspektyvos sąsajos su asmens elgesio kintamaisiais (alkoholio vartojimu, rūkymu, subjektyviu sveikatos vertinimu ir kt.).

The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of a shortened version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) in an African context. This self-report questionnaire, referred to as the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory -Revised Form (ZTPI-RF) consists of 20 items representing the five subscales of the original scale, namely: Past-Positive, Past-Negative, Present-Hedonistic, Present-Fatalistic and Future. The ZTPI-RF was completed by participants (N=1050) from urban (n=451) and rural (n=599) areas in the North-West Province of South Africa, together with a number of measures of psychological well-being. These scales, which were included for criterion-related validity purposes, were the Affectometer 2 (short version) (Kammann & Flett, 1983), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen & Griffin, 1985), Sense of Coherence Scale (Antonovsky, 1987, 1993) and the General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg & Hillier, 1979). Results regarding the reliability and construct validity of the ZTPI-RF and its subscales were unsatisfactory. Qualitative data was also obtained, and analyzed by means of direct content analysis to help establish a picture of how time perspective prevails in an African context, and to determine whether time perspective is associated with psychological well-being. Qualitative results showed that participants from an African context were strongly oriented toward the present and that social support played the most prominent role regarding participants' attitude toward the present. It was concluded that the ZTPI-RF is, in its current form, not reliable for the determination of time perspective of individuals from an African context, and that a longitudinal qualitative approach might be best suited to obtain information about the nature and dynamics of time perspective in an African context. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of a shortened version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) in an African context. This self-report questionnaire, referred to as the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory -Revised Form (ZTPI-RF) consists of 20 items representing the five subscales of the original scale, namely: Past-Positive, Past-Negative, Present-Hedonistic, Present-Fatalistic and Future. The ZTPI-RF was completed by participants (N=1050) from urban (n=451) and rural (n=599) areas in the North-West Province of South Africa, together with a number of measures of psychological well-being. These scales, which were included for criterion-related validity purposes, were the Affectometer 2 (short version) (Kammann & Flett, 1983), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen & Griffin, 1985), Sense of Coherence Scale (Antonovsky, 1987, 1993) and the General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg & Hillier, 1979). Results regarding the reliability and construct validity of the ZTPI-RF and its subscales were unsatisfactory. Qualitative data was also obtained, and analyzed by means of direct content analysis to help establish a picture of how time perspective prevails in an African context, and to determine whether time perspective is associated with psychological well-being. Qualitative results showed that participants from an African context were strongly oriented toward the present and that social support played the most prominent role regarding participants' attitude toward the present. It was concluded that the ZTPI-RF is, in its current form, not reliable for the determination of time perspective of individuals from an African context, and that a longitudinal qualitative approach might be best suited to obtain information about the nature and dynamics of time perspective in an African context. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The dissertation presents evidence on the measurement properties of self-report items in contemporary organizational contexts (Podsakoff & Organ, 1986). Operationally, the dissertation adopts a construct representation approach to construct validity, defined by the response processes engaged for measurement performance in trait assessment (AERA, 2014; Embretson, 1983). For example, self-report measures are known to be affected by a variety of variables, such as semantic and referent features (Cermac & Craik, 1979; Kelly, 1955) and design factors that impact cognitive context (Stone, et al, 2000; The Science of Self-Report). In turn, the response processes impacts the external correlations (Embretson, 2007). To the extent that semantic-referent features and design factors are construct-irrelevant, reduced external correlations can be expected. This dissertation presents evidence from a qualitative review of self-report future time perspective (FTP) instruments across organizational and retirement contexts. A quantitative review compares external correlates of the two instruments. A retrospective-observational study benchmarks the psychometric properties of Carstensen's self-report instrument using modern latent-variable modeling (item-response theory [IRT]). Structural equation modeling (SEM) is further used to test for moderating effects of subjective life expectancy (SLE) on latent predictors of FTP and retirement plans. Evidence from a '3 x 2' mixed-subjects experimental design is also presented indicating the effects of subjective life expectancy (SLE) on measurement error in personality factors, FTP, and retirement plans. Discussion centers on advancing measurement paradigms in psychological and education research, as well as -more generally- adopting an integrated perspective of construct validity for advancing and evaluating substantive research.

While research investigating the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for adolescent substance use has increased in recent years, few studies have explored predictors of differential response to these rehabilitation programs. Delay of gratification (DG), which refers to the tendency to forego strong immediate satisfaction in the pursuit of larger long-term rewards, is one factor potentially relevant to all rehabilitation programs, as substance use can be characterized as a choice between short-lasting satisfaction from drug consumption and long-term benefits from abstinence. This study aims at investigating the changes of delay of gratification and the relationship between delay of gratification, future orientation and drug avoidance throughout a drug rehabilitation programme. A sample of one hundred and eleven students in Christian Zheng Sheng College was recruited to participate in this longitudinal study with four waves of data collection. The findings of the present study contribute to the literature of risky behavior by demonstrating the relationship between delay of gratification and drug avoidance, as well as the finding that delay of gratification is a changeable trait which can be strengthened through interventions. Further study will be required to examine the mechanism of change in delay of gratification and drug avoidance, as well as the influences of future orientation on delay of gratification and drug avoidance. / published_or_final_version / Clinical Psychology / Master / Master of Social Sciences