Individual differences in time perspective, age, and smoking behavior: A test of two present versus future conceptualizations

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the discriminant validity of the present and future time perspective constructs used in the Consideration of Future Consequences scale (CFCS) and Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) and their concurrent validity in relation to smoking behavior. We also assessed the moderating effect of age on the association between time perspective and smoking behavior. We found that although they are closely related, the present and future time constructs used in the two scales are distinct from one another. In both models, the present time perspective, but not the future time perspective, was significantly linked to smoking. Moreover, we found that Zimbardo present fatalistic perspective (ZPF) was more strongly associated with smoking than consideration of immediate consequences (CFC-I). Both models had higher predictive power in the younger group than the older group. The practical implications of the findings are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Time perspective
• smoking
• consideration of immediate and future consequences

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.