Demographic Indicators as Predictors of Future Time Perspective

Abstract

The present investigation examined the relationships between five demographic variables (age, sex, income, marital status, and education) and future time perspective. From a theoretical perspective, these demographic indicators were conceptualized as proxy measures for the social forces that influence the adult expression of this personality dimension. Data were drawn from six investigations in which a brief measure of future time perspective (Hershey and Mowen in The Gerontologist 40:687-697, 2000) had been administered to one thousand four hundred and ninety eight individuals. Higher future time perspective scores (i.e., longer future orientations) were associated with being male, increased age, income, and educational level. These main effects, however, were mitigated by a significant three-way interaction among sex, age, and level of education. These findings suggest that a complex interplay of variables is responsible for the expression of personality traits at the individual level.

Future time perspective: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

“…Early research findings showed positive associations of FTP with socioeconomic status (SES) as indicated by family income and level of education (Padawer et al, 2007). Nurmi (1987) suggests that individuals in higher social classes envision longer futures, because principal developmental tasks are more likely to be actualized at later life stages compared to those in lower social classes.…”

Exploring the effects of changes in future time perspective and perceived instrumentality on graded performance

“…Although the studies that focused on gender differences in FTP have revealed somewhat mixed results (Greene & DeBacker, 2004), Adelabu's (2007) study suggests that gender effects on FTP should also be considered when the relationship between academic achievement and FTP are examined. Similarly, a recent research by Padawer et al (2007) revealed that gender, as well as age, is a significant predictor of FTP. Specifically, longer future orientations were found among four types of individuals: those who were older, more highly educated, male, and had higher incomes (Padawer et al, 2007).…”

“…Similarly, a recent research by Padawer et al (2007) revealed that gender, as well as age, is a significant predictor of FTP. Specifically, longer future orientations were found among four types of individuals: those who were older, more highly educated, male, and had higher incomes (Padawer et al, 2007). In summary, both Adelabu (2007) and Padawer et al (2007) studies suggest that gender variable should be considered in a study through which individuals' FTP was examined.…”

“…Specifically, longer future orientations were found among four types of individuals: those who were older, more highly educated, male, and had higher incomes (Padawer et al, 2007). In summary, both Adelabu (2007) and Padawer et al (2007) studies suggest that gender variable should be considered in a study through which individuals' FTP was examined. Thus, gender variable was controlled as a background variable in the analyses.…”

“…A large body of research showed that both FTP and PI significantly predict adaptive educational outcomes such as student motivation and achievement (De Volder & Lens, 1982; er people are more future-oriented than older people (Cate & John, 2007;Lang & Carstensen, 2002;Padawer, Lawson, Hershey, & Thomas, 2007), suggesting that FTP is not fixed, but malleable by nature. The same is also true for PI because its task-specific or contextual nature makes PI more open to the effects of environment.…”