Seek Balance: Deviation from Balance Mediates Trauma Exposure and Quality of Life

Abstract

This research assessed direct and mediated relations between lifetime trauma exposure and physical and mental health, with deviation from a balanced time perspective (individuals’ perception of the past, present, and future time frames) as a potential mediator. Participants were 238 undergraduates who completed online assessments of trauma exposure, quality of life, and time perspectives. Mediation analyses revealed that a greater number of traumas indirectly influenced quality of life by way of deviation from a balanced time perspective. Discussion underscores the importance of balance in time perspectives, particularly when adjusting to adverse life events.