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Future time perspective and life events across adulthood
1Department of Psychology, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA.
The Journal of General Psychology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Younger adults focus on more distant future time periods than older adults, though both age groups frequently consider the next few months. This age difference in future outlook is influenced by event anticipation and perceived control.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Future time perspective (FTP) is a key aspect of cognitive functioning.
- Understanding age-related differences in FTP is crucial for developmental psychology.
- Locus of control and life event experiences may influence FTP across the lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine age and gender differences in future time perspective.
- To investigate the relationship between FTP, locus of control, and past/anticipated life events.
- To identify factors contributing to age-related variations in thinking about the future.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing younger (20-37 years) and older (60-81 years) adults.
- Assessment of future time perspective, locus of control, and life event anticipation.
- Analysis of reported frequency of thinking about various future time periods.
Main Results:
- No significant age or gender differences in the most frequently considered future time period (next few months).
- Younger adults reported thinking about more distant future periods compared to older adults.
- Anticipation of discontinuous events, perceived control, and positive past events partially explained age differences in distant FTP.
Conclusions:
- While immediate future focus is similar, younger individuals engage more with distant future planning.
- Perceived control and life event experiences are significant factors in shaping age-related FTP differences.
- Findings highlight developmental shifts in temporal orientation and their psychological correlates.