Integration of balanced time perspective and time perception: The role of executive control and neuroticism

Abstract

Various aspects of psychological time, such as time perspective and time perception, have been studied separately. In the present research, we aimed to integrate these two approaches by examining the link between time perspective and time perception, conceptualized as the subjective passage of time and duration estimation. We also examined the role of executive control in reducing the biases related to psychological time and controlled for neuroticism, a key personality correlate of subjective passage of time. We found that individuals with a less balanced time perspective were less accurate in duration estimation in the range of seconds and that they reported a faster subjective passage of past time intervals. Moreover, a less balanced time perspective was associated with higher levels of neuroticism. Finally, we identified an interaction between a balanced time perspective and executive control in time perception. A less accurate time estimation was more pronounced at lower levels of executive control and of balanced time perspective. The results provide new insight into psychological time.