Introducing an instrument to assess time orientation and time relation in adolescents

Abstract

We report on two studies that examine new instruments that assess time orientation and time relation in adolescents. These concepts refer to how individuals think about the past, the present, and the future, with time orientation defined as the emphasis one gives toward each time period and time relation defined as the degree one perceives that the time periods are related to one another. Study 1 showed that time orientation predicted academic achievement and self-esteem and time relation predicted academic achievement and hope. Study 2, which included revised versions of the instruments, replicated most findings and demonstrated that both time orientation and time relation were related to engaging in risky behaviors. As hypothesized, in both studies, there were no gender differences in time orientation or time relation. These instruments provide a new way to assess how adolescents' perceive time and how this relates to their development and behavior.