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Journal of Modern Foreign Psychology
2025. Vol. 14, no. 3, 105–114
doi:10.17759/jmfp.2025140309
ISSN: 2304-4977 (online)

Time perspective in contemporary foreign research: Age-related, cultural, and social aspects

 
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Abstract

Context and Relevance. Contemporary studies on time perspective (2020–2025) demonstrate three fundamental shifts: 1) a transition from static to dynamic models, 2) overcoming methodological monism through the development of alternative ZTPI tools, and 3) identifying culture-specific patterns. Aim. To systematize innovative directions in time perspective research, focusing on methodological breakthroughs and cross-cultural paradoxes. Methods. A systematic review incorporated data from 15 countries (N=45 studies) and a qualitative analysis of cultural contexts, revealing nonlinear interactions between age, environment, and cognitive mechanisms. Results. The data analysis identified three consistent patterns: 1. In collectivist cultures (China, India), future time perspective correlates more strongly with family obligations, whereas in individualist cultures (USA, Czech Republic), it is linked to personal achievements. 2. Crisis events (pandemic, unemployment) do not destroy but rather transform future time perspective, enhancing its role as a buffer against depression. 3. A balanced time perspective reduces the risk of deviant behavior, but its components (e.g., hedonic present) may have opposite effects in different contexts. Conclusion. The analysis of contributions from recent research confirms the nonlinear dynamics of time perspective under global challenges and cultural specificities.

 

General Information

Keywords: adolescence, emerging adulthood, early adulthood, cross-cultural differences, future, future time perspective (FTP), risky behavior, internet addiction, career maturity, self-control

Journal rubric: Developmental Psychology and Age-Related Psychology

Article type: review article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/jmfp.2025140309

Received 12.03.2025

Published

For citation: Shilova, N.P. (2025). Time perspective in contemporary foreign research: Age-related, cultural, and social aspects. Journal of Modern Foreign Psychology, 14(3), 105–114. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/jmfp.2025140309

© Shilova N.P., 2025

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

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Information About the Authors

Natalia P. Shilova, Candidate of Science (Psychology), Associate Professor, Moscow City University, Pokrovsky branch Moscow Pedagogical State University, Pokrov, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1511-840X, e-mail: npshilova@outlook.com

Contribution of the authors

Natalia P. Shilova — ideas; annotation, writing and design of the manuscript; planning of the research; control over the research, application of statistical, mathematical or other methods for data analysis; conducting the experiment; data collection and analysis; visualization of research results.

 

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

 

Ethics statement

As this is an overview article, it does not require ethics approval nor informed consent from the participants.

 

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