Some Factors Influencing Perceived Goal Distance in Time: A Preliminary Check

Abstract

Perceived goal distance in time (PgD) is assumed to be influenced by (a) physical distance in time, (b) the individual's future-time orientation (FTO), (c) perceived intrinsic instrumentality of activity (PiI), and (d) the importance of the goal. The results, based on pupils (159 boys and 151 girls) in Grades 7, 8, and 9, showed that pupils high in future-time orientation (FTO) and perceived intrinsic instrumentality of activity (PiI), perceived any temporal distance (PgD) as shorter than those who were low in these variables. However, the most significant determinant of perceived goal distance in time (PgD), in addition to physical distance in time, was the importance of the future goal; a very important goal being perceived as much closer than an unimportant goal.