Time Perspective and Health-Promoting Behavior in a Cardiac Rehabilitation Population

Abstract

Behavior changes can significantly improve outcomes for patients in the cardiac rehabilitation population. The authors examined the influence of time perspectives on health-promoting behaviors of patients for whom the future might be perceived as limited, although goal-directed behavior changes are crucial. Measures included the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLPII). In this study of 74 cardiac participants with a mean age of 60.2 years, the preponderant time perspective was found to be past-positive orientation. The authors discuss the effects of a life-threatening event and older age on time perspective and health-promoting behaviors and consequent implications for cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Key Words:

• cardiovascular disease
• health behavior
• time perspective

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sherry L. Grace

Ms Hamilton and Ms Kives are medical students at the University of Western Ontario and the University of Toronto, respectively. Ms Micevski is a doctoral student at the University Health Network (UHN) Heart and Circulation Program, and Dr Grace is a postdoctoral fellow with the UHN Women's Health Program.