Present and correct: we kid ourselves less when we live in the moment

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between living in the present, a key manifestation of psychological well-being comparable with a flow state [Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: the psychology of optimal experience. New York: Harper & Row], and positive illusion. Living in the present was measured with Shostrom's [Shostrom, E. L. (1964). An inventory for the measurement of self-actualization. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 2, 207–218] Time Competence scale. Positive illusion was assessed with positive and negative trait ratings of the self and average others, where self ratings were more positive overall. Despite views currently in vogue that well-being is enhanced by illusory perceptions, it was predicted that illusions would be fewer for a high than for a moderate living in the present group. The results supported the prediction. They were interpreted with reference to the theory that empowered individuals have relatively clear perceptions [Maslow, A. H. (1968). Toward a psychology of being (2nd ed.). New York: Van Nostrand]. In line with depressive realism theory [Alloy, L.B. & Abramson, L.Y. 1988, Depressive realism: four theoretical perspectives. In L. B. Alloy (Ed.), Cognitive processes in depression. New York: Guilford Press), the results also showed that when low and moderate living in the present groups were compared, the low group had fewer illusions.