Construction and validation of a new Generational Time Perspective Questionnaire

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Future Studies

Background:

• Understanding long-term societal perspectives is crucial for policy and planning.
• Existing psychological tools may not fully capture intergenerational outlooks.
• The concept of Generational Time Perspective (GTP) offers a novel framework for future-oriented cognition and affect.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate the Generational Time Perspective Questionnaire (GTPQ).
• To establish the psychometric properties of the GTPQ.
• To explore the construct validity of GTP by examining its relationships with other temporality-related measures.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Generational Time Perspective Questionnaire (GTPQ) based on a defined concept of GTP.
• Application of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to determine the questionnaire's structure.
• Assessment of the reliability and convergent validity of the GTPQ dimensions.

Main Results:

• The GTPQ exhibits a robust two-factor structure: cognitive representation of future generations and negative emotions regarding future challenges.
• Reliability analyses indicate satisfactory internal consistency for the questionnaire's dimensions.
• The GTPQ demonstrates significant correlations with established measures of individual temporality, supporting its construct validity.

Conclusions:

• The Generational Time Perspective Questionnaire (GTPQ) is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring an individual's cognitive-affective orientation towards future generations.
• The GTPQ provides a valuable tool for researchers and practitioners interested in intergenerational attitudes and long-term societal concerns.
• Findings highlight the importance of considering both cognitive and emotional dimensions when assessing future perspectives.