Psychological predictors of the time perspective: The role of posttraumatic stress disorder, posttraumatic growth, and temporal triggers in a sample of bereaved adults

Abstract

Introduction

The process of coping with loss and trauma is inextricably linked with subjective experiences and perceptions of time. The Time Perspective Framework, suggests that temporal frames influence an individual’s actions, judgements, and the decisions that they make. Similarly, time perspective has been linked with psychosocial outcomes of trauma and loss (e.g. posttraumatic stress disorder). The aim of this study is to identify factors that may influence survivor’s time perspective in order to determine if posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), posttraumatic growth (PTG), and temporal triggers (MIT) influenced different time perspective orientations.

Methods

Data was collected via Qualtrics survey between July 2019 and July 2020. Measures included basic demographic characteristics, posttraumatic stress disorder checklist, posttraumatic growth inventory, an assessment of temporal triggers, and the Zimbardo time perspective inventory. A series of OLS regression analyses were estimated.

Results

PTG was positively associated with future time perspective scores, whereas PTSD was associated with an increase in past negative orientation. The endorsement of temporal triggers like markers in time was negatively associated with present hedonistic scores and positively associated with future time perspective scores. Interestingly, PTSD, PTG and the endorsement of MIT were not associated with present time perspective scores.

Discussion and implications

Identifying the relationship between PTSD, PTG, marker in time, and time perspective may offer important insights into treatment modalities that can improve outcomes for bereaved individuals. We discuss limitations of the current analysis and make recommendations for future research.