Time in the Mental Health Context: Neurotic Symptomatology, Defense Mechanisms and the Perception of Time Perspective Among Patients Diagnosed With Neurotic and Personality Disorders – A Clinical Study

Aim The main objective of the study is to explore relations between the time perspective, neurotic symptoms, anxiety, and defense mechanisms in the group of patients diagnosed with neurotic and personality disorders (ICD-10 groups: F4x, F60.x and F61) treated with group psychotherapy. The research is conducted on the theoretical basis of the Zimbardo and Boyd’s Time Perspective Theory. Methods The study included 49 patients treated in the day ward for the Treatment of Neurotic Disorders and Behavioral Syndromes at the University Hospital. The measurement of the TP was performed with the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory. Patients also completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Defense Style Questionnaire 40. The diagnosis was done by licensed psychiatrists and supported with the measures: Symptom Checklist KO“O”, Neurotic Personality Questionnaire KON-2006. Results Multiple regression analysis models showed that the four time perspectives (past negative, present fatalistic, present hedonistic, and future) are predicted in different variations by the level of anxiety state or trait and repertoire of used defense mechanisms (immature or mature). Conclusions Considering the established bilateral correlations, change in the time perspective may constitute an important factor in the reduction of neurotic symptoms, possibly through changes in the repertoire of utilized defense mechanisms. However, there is also possible that altering neurotic symptomatology would alter time perspective. The assessment of the time perspective in patients with neurotic and personality disorders may provide useful data for the diagnosis and the monitoring of psychotherapy effectiveness. Based on the results of this study conducting further research on the role of the changes in the time perspective in the course of psychotherapy is recommended and necessary to expand the understanding of the relations observed in this study.

Designing for Temporal Harmony: Exploring the Well-Being Concept for Designing the Temporal Dimension of User Experience

User Experience (UX) is characterized by its temporal dimension, dynamic nature, and variability. Although descriptive models about the temporal dimension and related aspects exist, an understanding of the design possibilities and a design approach that ensures the design of the temporal dimension promoting a positive UX and well-being are still lacking. This paper addresses this research gap and builds on Zimbardo and Boyd’s Time Perspective Theory (TPT). TPT presents five time perspectives (TPs)—Past-Negative, Past-Positive, Present-Fatalistic, Present-Hedonistic, and Future—to reveal that people have individual attitudes toward time that influence their thoughts, actions, and feelings. Studies conclude that a balance between the positive TPs (Past-Positive, Present-Hedonistic, and Future), i.e., temporal harmony, contributes to long-term well-being. We present our design framework and approach “designing for temporal harmony,” which incorporates the theory into the practice to highlight the temporal design possibilities and to offer guidance for designers. We applied the design framework and approach to a case study, developed an app concept, and evaluated it with users. The results demonstrate that it is possible to systematically develop temporal UX concepts that evoke positive anticipations, experiences, and retrospections, and that these promote a positive UX as well as contribute to users’ long-term well-being.

Balanced time perspective as a facilitator of immigrants’ psychological adaptation: A study among Ukrainian immigrants in Poland

The perception of time plays a fundamental role in the organisation of basic psychological processes, and as such may also influence migrants’ psychological wellbeing. This paper investigates the relationship between the perception of time and immigrants’ psychological adaptation (i.e., affective aspects of migration) based on a sample of 238 Ukrainians residing in Poland. To assess time perception, we drew primarily from time perspective theory, which defines time perspective as a measure of the degree to which individuals non-consciously construe the past, the present, and the future. Psychological adaptation was assessed, focusing on participants’ basic psychological needs satisfaction, their satisfaction with life, and their psychological condition. We observed a relatively strong negative relationship between negative past and fatalistic present time perspectives and psychological adaptation. Additionally, we found that a more balanced and less negative temporal profile was related to significantly better psychological adaptation of immigrants. We discuss these results in light of the cultural validity of time perspective theory, the destructive impact of negative time perspective on migrants’ psychological wellbeing, and the potential applications of time perspective-based therapy in integration interventions for immigrants.

Balanced Time Perspective as a Facilitator of Immigrants’ Psychological Adaptation: A Study among Ukrainian Immigrants in Poland

The perception of time plays a fundamental role in the organisation of basic psychological processes, and as such may also influence migrants’ psychological well-being. This paper investigates the relationship between the perception of time and immigrants’ psychological adaptation (i.e. affective aspects of migration) based on a sample of 238 Ukrainians residing in Poland. To assess time perception we drew primarily from time perspective theory which defines time perspective as a measure of the degree to which individuals non-consciously construe the past, the present and the future. Psychological adaptation was assessed with focus on participants’ basic psychological needs satisfaction, satisfaction with life and psychological condition. We observed relatively strong negative relationship between negative past and fatalistic present time perspectives and psychological adaptation. Additionally, it was found that more balanced and less negative temporal profile, was related to significantly better psychological adaptation of immigrants. We discuss the results in light of cultural validity of time perspective theory, destructive impact of negative time perspective on migrants’ psychological wellbeing and potential application of time perspective-based therapy in integration interventions for immigrants.

Influential Behavioral Factors on Retirement Planning Behavior: The Case of Malaysia

The main objective of this research is to identify the behavioral factors which have an effect on retirement planning behavior. The study applies the theory of planned behavior and time perspective theory as a basis for the analysis of data by the structural equation modeling technique from a sample of 900 adults in Kelang Valley, Malaysia. The results of structural equation modeling show that financial literacy, propensity to plan, and future orientation are directly associated with retirement planning behavior. The saving attitude is also found to partially mediate these relationships. However, family education and materialism are not associated with retirement planning. Implications for researchers and practitioners are presented.