, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
THE IMPACT OF TIME PERSPECTIVE ON MENTAL HEALTH AND RISKY
BEHAVIOUR: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN A SOUTH AFRICAN SAMPLE
ABSTRACT
Time perspective, the habitual way individuals partition the flow of their personal experiences into
past, present, and future temporal frames, is a fundamental cognitive process that influences a wide
array of human behaviours and psychological outcomes. Grounded in the theoretical framework of
Zimbardo and Boyd (2014), which identifies five distinct time perspectives (Past-Negative,
Past-Positive, Present-Hedonistic, Present-Fatalistic, and Future), this study investigates the
relationship between these temporal orientations and two critical outcome variables: mental health
and engagement in risky behaviours.
A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing an online survey
administered to a sample of 400 South African university students. Participants completed the
Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) as a measure
of subjective well-being, and the Risky, Impulsive, and Self-Destructive Behaviour Questionnaire. It
is hypothesized that a Past-Negative and Present-Fatalistic orientation will be significant positive
predictors of poorer mental health and higher levels of risky behaviour. Conversely, a Past-Positive
and Future orientation are expected to be associated with better mental health and lower engagement
in risky activities.
The findings will be analyzed to elucidate the profound impact of an individual's temporal focus on
their psychological well-being and behavioural choices. This research aims to contribute valuable
insights within the unique South African context, with implications for developing targeted mental
health promotion and risk-prevention strategies that consider underlying cognitive time perspectives.
THE IMPACT OF TIME PERSPECTIVE ON MENTAL HEALTH AND RISKY
BEHAVIOUR: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN A SOUTH AFRICAN SAMPLE
ABSTRACT
Time perspective, the habitual way individuals partition the flow of their personal experiences into
past, present, and future temporal frames, is a fundamental cognitive process that influences a wide
array of human behaviours and psychological outcomes. Grounded in the theoretical framework of
Zimbardo and Boyd (2014), which identifies five distinct time perspectives (Past-Negative,
Past-Positive, Present-Hedonistic, Present-Fatalistic, and Future), this study investigates the
relationship between these temporal orientations and two critical outcome variables: mental health
and engagement in risky behaviours.
A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing an online survey
administered to a sample of 400 South African university students. Participants completed the
Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) as a measure
of subjective well-being, and the Risky, Impulsive, and Self-Destructive Behaviour Questionnaire. It
is hypothesized that a Past-Negative and Present-Fatalistic orientation will be significant positive
predictors of poorer mental health and higher levels of risky behaviour. Conversely, a Past-Positive
and Future orientation are expected to be associated with better mental health and lower engagement
in risky activities.
The findings will be analyzed to elucidate the profound impact of an individual's temporal focus on
their psychological well-being and behavioural choices. This research aims to contribute valuable
insights within the unique South African context, with implications for developing targeted mental
health promotion and risk-prevention strategies that consider underlying cognitive time perspectives.
