Life Satisfaction in Time Orientation

Abstract

Time orientation influences people’s perception and evaluation of a situation. Satisfaction in the present life and the future life is likely to be affected by one’s time orientation. Using samples of 1829 middle-aged Americans, this study examined the association between individuals’ time orientation and satisfaction with life in general as well as with their financial situation. In this study, we created the future-to-current ratio to assess a person’s relative time orientation tendency between future time orientation and present time orientation. The results indicated that respondents with a higher tendency of holding future time orientation exhibited greater life satisfaction and financial satisfaction of the present. A higher tendency of holding future time orientation also predicted a higher life satisfaction and financial satisfaction of the future. The findings of the study emphasize having a future time orientation is important with regard to well-being.