In this article, we assess the structural equivalence of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) across 26 samples from 24 countries (N = 12,200). The ZTPI is proven to be a valid and reliable index of individual differences in time perspective across five temporal categories: Past Negative, Past Positive, Present Fatalistic, Present Hedonistic, and Future. We obtained evidence for invariance of 36 items (out of 56) and also the five-factor structure of ZTPI across 23 countries. The short ZTPI scales are reliable for country-level analysis, whereas we recommend the use of the full scales for individual-level analysis. The short version of ZTPI will further promote integration of research in the time perspective domain in relation to many different psycho-social processes.

In dating past events, one sometimes recalls inaccurate dates and tends to estimate recent events too remotely and remote events too recently (telescoping). On the other hand, even when one knows the exact dates of events, subjective time could be elastic and often different from objective time. This Feeling of Time Discrepancy between objective and subjective elapsed times was examined with two autobiographical events. Results showed that (1) subjects reported a discrepancy even if the exact dates of events were known and (2) the discrepancy for entrance into university was higher than that for graduation from high school, even when they happened at almost same time. The results are discussed in terms of "location" and "distance" theories, Kemp's 1999 associative model of dating, and Conway's 2000 self-memory system. Autobiographical memory may be organized in terms of present self-concept with our past fitted to the present self-concept. However, if autobiographical memory changes greatly, we cannot share autobiographical memory with other people. We may be adapted to the present life by making only a sense of the subjective elapsed time of each event change with the accurate time information of the autobiographical facts held.

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When a past event is remembered, the subjective elapsed time is often different from the objective elapsed time, even if the exact date of an event is known. In this study, Feeling of Time Discrepancy between objective elapsed time and subjective elapsed time of turning point events was examined. Participants remembered one turning point event in life, dated the event, and estimated the Feeling of Time Discrepancy. Two groups, formed on their judgement of whether their present understanding of the event is the same or different from understanding when the event occurred (the Same assessment group and the Different assessment group). Analysis showed the Different assessment group felt the turning point event to be more recent than the Same assessment group did, although there was no difference between actual elapsed time and memory vividness for the two groups. In addition, the events which changed from negative to positive were felt subjectively to be more recent than those for which affect was consistently positive. These results suggest that, even if we experience negative events, the event might become a part of the present self and be felt temporally closer to now, when temporal organization of autobiographical memories allow recognition of the event as good experience. Finally, two types of temporal organization of such memory were discussed, the subjective temporal organization of autobiographical memory which is organized only for oneself and the social objective temporal organization of autobiographical memory which becomes organized in sharing it with another person.

When a past event is remembered, the subjective elapsed time is often different from the objective elapsed time, even if the exact date of an event is known. In this study, Feeling of Time Discrepancy between objective elapsed time and subjective elapsed time of turning point events was examined. Participants remembered one turning point event in life, dated the event, and estimated the Feeling of Time Discrepancy. Two groups, formed on their judgement of whether their present understanding of the event is the same or different from understanding when the event occurred (the Same assessment group and the Different assessment group). Analysis showed the Different assessment group felt the turning point event to be more recent than the Same assessment group did, although there was no difference between actual elapsed time and memory vividness for the two groups. In addition, the events which changed from negative to positive were felt subjectively to be more recent than those for which affect was consistently positive. These results suggest that, even if we experience negative events, the event might become a part of the present self and be felt temporally closer to now, when temporal organization of autobiographical memories allow recognition of the event as good experience. Finally, two types of temporal organization of such memory were discussed, the subjective temporal organization of autobiographical memory which is organized only for oneself and the social objective temporal organization of autobiographical memory which becomes organized in sharing it with another person.