The associations of basic psychological needs and autonomous-related self with time perspective: the cultural and familial antecedents of balanced time perspective

Abstract

Time perspective develops from learning experiences pertaining to family and culture (Zimbardo & Boyd, 1999), however no study specifically examined these factors. The present research examines cultural and familial processes influencing subjective time perceptions and balanced time perspective. Participants (n = 305) filled out a questionnaire that consisted of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI), Basic Psychological Needs (BPN), Autonomous-Related Self (ARS), and Trait Anxiety Inventory. Balanced time perspective was operationalized as a derived score from the ZTPI factors, deviation from balanced time perspective (DBTP). BPN and ARS were related to the ZTPI factors and DBTP. A hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated that autonomy, competence, and ARS predicted DBTP. Finally, the results of two simple mediation analyses showed that the associations of ARS and BPN with trait anxiety were mediated by DBTP. It was suggested that social and familial restrictions disrupt the balance in time perspective leading to lower subjective well-being.