The reliability and validity of the Temporal Focus Scale in young Japanese adults

Abstract

Temporal focus is understood as one component of an individual's time perspective, and is defined as the attention individuals devote to thinking about the past, present, and future. The 12-item Temporal Focus Scale is comprised of 3 factors (past, current, and future focus). In this study, we examined the reliability and validity of Temporal Focus Scale scores in a sample of 977 young Japanese adults, aged 18–24years old. The hypothesized 3 factor structure was confirmed, although there were problems with item number 10. Internal consistency estimates for scores without item 10 were over 0.70, and seven-week test-retest reliability was also adequate. To verify the convergent and discriminant validity, we tested the relationship between scores and time perspective, time attitudes, life satisfaction, self-esteem, and career confidence. Results of correlational analyses supported our hypotheses. Specifically, a future focus was more strongly correlated with career efficacy than a past or current focus.