The Zimbardo time perspective inventory: exploring the relationships between time perspective and measures of wellbeing

This study explored the relationships between the five time perspectives (TPs) of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) and the construct of a Balanced Time Perspective (BTP) as proposed by Zimbardo and colleagues with four measures associated with well-being: satisfaction with life, happiness, self-esteem, and coping selfefficacy. Eighty-four undergraduate psychology students completed the ZTPI, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Subjective Happiness Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Coping Self-Efficacy Scale. Bivariate correlations and simultaneous regressions were calculated to determine the relationship between the five time perspectives of the ZTPI and the other four constructs being measured: satisfaction with life, happiness, self-esteem, and coping efficacy. Significant relationships were revealed between several of the TP subfactors and well-being variables. In addition, participant scores on the ZTPI were recoded to create two new groups: Balanced Time Perspective (BTP) and Unbalnced Time Perspective to determine if a BTP is associated with improved functioning. Independent sample t-tests were inconclusive due to the large discrepancy between the size of the balanced and unbalanced groups. The results were not able to be reliably interpreted with any confidence. Further research is needed to verify the apparent psychological benefits associated with having a balanced time perspective.