Is Future Time Perspective Multidimensional?

Abstract

Abstract. The aim of this research was to verify the psychometric properties of scores of the Polish version of the Future Time Perspective Scale (FTPS), developed by Carstensen and Lang (1996) . In Study 1, the sample consisted of  N = 652 participants aged 18–79 years. We performed confirmatory factor analyses to verify the dimensional structure of future time perspective and obtained a three-factor solution. In Study 2, the sample consisted of 771 participants aged 18–75 years. The results confirmed that the scores of FTPS/PL are reliable and that the FTPS/PL has the three-dimensional structure of future time perspective. The following factors were extracted: Focus on Opportunity, Focus on Life, and Focus on Time. We also tested the measurement and structural invariance of the FTPS/PL in three age groups. The results showed the FTP scale after the removal of item 4 is a measure which can be used to compare individuals differing in age. Additionally, we examined the incremental validity of FTPS/PL for life satisfaction and positive and negative affect. In Study 3, the findings showed acceptable test–retest reliability what supports the possibility of using the Polish version of the FTPS in research.