Future time perspective as a motivational variable: Content and extension of future goals affect the quantity and quality of motivation

Willy Lens, Maria Paula Paixão, Dora Herrera, Adelene Grobler

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

102 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the first part we briefly discuss the concept of future time perspective (FTP) as a cognitive-motivational construct. By setting goals in the rather near or more distant future, human beings develop their individual FTP that can be characterized by its content (i.e., what people are striving for) and extension or depth (i.e. how far into the future individuals set their goals). Individual differences in the content and extension of the FTP have motivational consequences. In the second part we discuss our own empirical studies showing that not only does the number of future goals matter, but even more so their motivational content. Finally we will report empirical data on the correlates of present and future temporal orientations among adolescents and emerging adults in Europe, South Africa and Latin America. These empirical studies are based on Future Time Perspective Theory, Expectancy*Value Theory and Self-determination Theory.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)321-333
Number of pages13
JournalJapanese Psychological Research
Volume54
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Education
  • Motivation
  • Time perspective

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