Introducing Temporal Theory to the Field of Sport Psychology: Toward a Conceptual Model of Time Perspectives in Athletes’ Functioning

Abstract

Time perspective theory provides a robust conceptual framework for analyzing human behavior in the context of time. So far, the concept has been studied and applied in multiple life domains, such as education, health, social relationships, environmental behavior, or financial behavior; however, its explanatory potential has been completely neglected within the domain of sport. In the present paper we provide a deepened theoretical analysis of the potential role of temporal framing of human experience for sport-related attitudes, emotions, and athletic performance. We propose a conceptual model in which time perspectives influence psychological functioning and performance of athletes via three major mechanisms: (1) magnitude and persistence of sport motivation and resulting athlete engagement, (2) regulation of affective states during sport performance, and (3) appraisal of one’s performance and coping with resulting emotions. We support the theoretical considerations based on the major assumptions of time perspective theory with research findings regarding the regulatory role of time perspectives in other life domains. We also highlight potential research paths that would allow us to empirically test the present model and determine the actual role of temporal perspectives in shaping crucial aspects of athletes’ psychological functioning, as well as levels of their sport performance.

Differences in the Psychological Profiles of Elite and Non-elite Athletes

“…It was expected that the time perspectives of the elite and non-elite athletes were different since they arise out of personal and social experience (Zimbardo and Boyd, 2008 ), and their engagement in sports is certainly significant experience for both groups of the athletes examined. The assumed model of the effects of time perspectives on sports engagement (Stolarski et al, 2019 ) suggested that past positive time perspective would have positive effects, either directly or indirectly, and past negative time perspective would have adverse effects on sport performance. The results obtained in this study have supported this assumption.…”

“…However, the results which are inconsistent with the assumed model were also obtained in this research. Present fatalistic time perspective has shown to be more present in the elite athletes and it was expected to have negative effects on a motivation-engagement-performance chain (Stolarski et al, 2019 ). The obtained data is unexpected when we take into account that people with fatalistic understanding of the present have, amongst other things, reduced personal efficiency, external locus of control and planning, which should be accompanied by effort and work.…”

“…Balanced Time Perspective can be developed and is important for adaptations in human functioning (Stolarski et al, 2020 ). Stolarski et al ( 2019 ) provided a complex model of possible effects of time perspectives on sport performance, which needs an empirical validation.…”

Vigorous, dedicated, and absorbed: Factor structure, reliability, and validity of the polish version of the sport engagement scale

“…Furthermore, applying the SES to individuals with various levels of exercising habits would provide further evidence for the scale's validity and broaden the findings reported in the present paper. The construct of sport engagement should also be closely investigated in relation to actual sport performance in sport disciplines other than running, with both direct and indirect mechanisms of influence being distinguished (see Stolarski et al 2019). Finally, it would be beneficial to examine the measurement invariance of the construct across different sports.…”

Improving technical fitness of race walkers on the basis of special exercises to focus on key parameters of movements

“…Motivational and cognitive components, objectives, their significance, personal beliefs, emotional resources were discussed during pauses. Psychological assessments of the state perceived by athletes were determined by athletes' interpretation of the efficiency of achievement drive; similar practice is known [16].…”