Nicolas Fieulaine

A Global Look at Time: A 24-Country Study of the Equivalence of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory

In this article, we assess the structural equivalence of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) across 26 samples from 24 countries (N = 12,200). The ZTPI is proven to be a valid and reliable index of individual differences in time perspective across five temporal categories: Past Negative, Past Positive, Present Fatalistic, Present Hedonistic, and Future. We obtained evidence for invariance of 36 items (out of 56) and also the five-factor structure of ZTPI across 23 countries. The short ZTPI scales are reliable for country-level analysis, whereas we recommend the use of the full scales for individual-level analysis. The short version of ZTPI will further promote integration of research in the time perspective domain in relation to many different psycho-social processes.

Cannabis use, time perspective and risk perception: Evidence of a moderating effect.

This study explores the relationship between time perspective (TP), cannabis use and risk perceptions associated with this substance. A sample of French students (n = 198) were provided with a valid French version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) scale. Risk perceptions linked to cannabis consumption were evaluated from a list of 22 items referring to different risks. Respondents were asked to declare how frequently they consumed this substance. Data analysis was based firstly on ZTPI scores, secondly on declared consumption and finally on the two risk perception indices which were established after factorial analysis. Results showed that TP acted as a significant predictor of both psychoactive substance use and of cannabis consumption frequency. Significant links between consumption and risk perceptions also appeared. A second series of analyses showed that TP moderated the link between cannabis consumption and risk perceptions. These findings highlight the importance of TP when analyzing the complexity of contemporary cannabis use. †This is a revised version of a poster communication presented at the 18th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society, University of Helsinki (Finland) in June 2004.

Time under control: time perspective and desire for control in substance use.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of time perspective and desire for control in self-reported substance use and to test for a moderating effect of desire for control in the relation between time perspective and substance use. PROCEDURE A random sample of 240 persons, aged 15 years and over, selected in various public spaces in an urban region in central France. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Time perspective was measured using subscales of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI, Zimbardo & Boyd, 1999), Desire for control was measured using a translated version of the Desire for Control Scale (DCS, Burger & Cooper, 1979), and substance use was self-reported. RESULTS After controlling for age and gender, significant links were found between time perspective and substance use. Desire for control did not appear to be directly related to substance use. The interaction effect between TP and desire for control appeared to be related to substance use. There was evidence that the relation between TP and substance use is buffered by low desire for control. CONCLUSION This study converges with previous studies demonstrating the relation between TP and substance use, but provides evidence of the moderating role played by desire for control. Desire for control thus appears as worthy of interest in the analysis of self-regulatory process, and further research on the links between TP and various aspects of control is required. In order to be more effective, the design of future studies and interventions based on time-related issues should consider how desire for control plays a part in establishing vulnerability profiles.

Giving or giving back: New psychosocial insights from sperm donors in France

Despite the growing importance of the international scientific literature concerning donor insemination, studies of French samples are rare. We recently had the opportunity to conduct a nationwide study on psychosocial issues related to semen donation in France. In this article, we present the main results of an analysis of the narratives of 33 sperm donors. We examine the meaning they attribute to this experience, their motivations, the social ramifications of their action, and their perspective on the principles of sperm donation in France. We highlight our results by comparing them to those derived from other recent international studies in different legislative contexts. Finally, we suggest a hypothesis regarding donor motivations based on recent literature in social sciences regarding the fundamental role of gift and reciprocity. These issues, particularly the anonymity of gamete donation, are currently at the heart of a national debate related to the expected revision of the French bioethics law.

Time Perspective Profiles of Cultures

This chapter summarises some results of the International Time Perspective Research Project, which is a collaborative cross-cultural study of time perspective carried out in 24 countries. The highlights of structural equivalence assessment study are presented, showing the cross-cultural invariance of 36 items of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) scale. The associations between country-level ZTPI scores and other culture-level indicators, including the Human Development Index and Hofstede cultural dimensions, are presented and discussed. Using hierarchical cluster analysis, five distinct profiles of time perspective were found (future-oriented, present-oriented, balanced, moderately fatalistic, and negative), and significant differences in the prevalence of these profiles across cultures were found. Implications and perspectives for future research are discussed.

Precariousness as time horizon : How poverty and social insecurity shape individuals' time perspectives

Time perspective, as defined by Lewin (Time perspective and morale. In: Watson G (ed) Civilian morale. Houghton Mifflin, Boston, pp 48–70, 1942a, Time perspective and morale. In: Lewin GW (ed) Resolving social conflicts. Houghton Mifflin, Boston, pp 103–124, 1942b) is deeply rooted in the social contexts individuals live in. When facing poverty, social exclusion or socioeconomic insecurity, people are prone to psychologically leave out the future, and to restrain their time perspective to present or past. Drawing from the Lewin’s field theory, this chapter reviews research findings on the influence of socioeconomic status on time perspective, and present original findings showing that time perspective acts as an intervening factor in the relation between socioeconomic status and a wide range of behavioral or psychological consequences. The shrinking of the temporal dimension of the psychological field when facing danger and uncertainty is an avenue for a better understanding of how people deal with crisis situations and the risk society. We claim for a better consideration of psychological time in policy making and collective action against poverty.

Sevrage tabagique des fumeurs en situation de précarité sociale

Smoking is a major of public health policy issue; one in two lifelong smokers will die from a disease related to tobacco use. In France, smoking is responsible for more than 70,000 deaths every year. The benefits linked to stopping smoking include reduced mortality and morbidity related to the use of tobacco. Recent data show an increase in the prevalence of smoking in the lowest socioeconomic population. Tobacco control needs a better understanding of the determinants of smoking in this population, which are also factors in the failure of cessation attempts. Based on international literature, this review specifies the educational and socioeconomic factors involved in tobacco smoking and in the result of an attempt to quit. Its aim is to propose ways to improve the management of smoking cessation in a socially deprived population.

Time Perspective Theory: The Introduction

The aim of this introductory chapter is fourfold. First, it introduces two fundamental reasons that lead us to undertake works on this volume. Second, it provides a brief description of the Time Perspective Theory, giving a theoretical background for the whole present book. Third, it reviews the most important empirical findings regarding the respective area of research in a nomological network, providing a brief overview of the core correlates of time perspective. Finally, it briefly presents issues raised by all the brilliant Authors that decided to take part in this project.

Time Perspective and Cannabis Use: Why and How It Is More Complex Than We Think

Time perspective was repeatedly evidenced as closely related to risky behaviors, and particularly to substance use. From this research, future orientation appeared as a protective factor against substance use, whereas present time orientation was established as a risk factor. This chapter reviews evidence of such a relationship, but also highlights contradictory findings. When taking into account constructs related to self-regulation or risk perception, one may note that TP relation to health behaviors and substance use is more complex than expected. On the basis of recent studies, the author then explores this complex relation, and proposes some theoretical perspectives and a research agenda for a better understanding of—and for more efficient interventions on—substance and cannabis use behaviors.

Time and the Misfits: Temporal Framing and Priming in Persuasive Communication

Many of our daily choices and behaviors involve temporal dilemma between their short and long-term consequences. When promoting sustainable or healthy behaviors, great parts of the public propaganda are temporally framed by emphasizing the long-term benefits of short-term costly behaviors. Yet, previous studies highlighted how crucial is to take into consideration not only the temporal frame of the message, but also the persons’ time perspective, to assess the efficacy and the potential counter effects of temporally framed communications. This chapter reviews findings and issues related to temporal framing in persuasive communications, and highlights how time perspective is a crucial factor in making communications effective- or not. We also present new findings suggesting that a solution could be to prime the context in which a message is delivered, in order to make this context congruent with the message frame or the individuals’ orientation, or both. From this contextual level of framing that may be helpful to avoid “negative nudge” effects in heath or environmental information campaigns, we suggest a few directions for future research.