Time Perspective in Individuals with Sluggish Cognitive Tempo

Abstract

Individuals with sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) experience difficulties in achieving goal-directed behaviors. As time perspective (TP) helps elaborate problems in goal pursuit, this study aimed to identify the TP of individuals with SCT and compare it to individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The screening was performed using the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale-IV, and participants were divided into the following groups: SCT & ADHD (n=20), SCT only (n=46), ADHD only (n=22), and healthy controls (n=28). To assess TP, participants also completed the Swedish Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory. After controlling for depression and anxiety, the SCT only group showed higher present-fatalistic and future-negative TP compared to healthy controls. The ADHD only group showed higher present-hedonistic and futurenegative TP when compared to healthy controls. These results indicate that individuals with SCT have a generally fatalistic attitude and an aversive view of the future, possibly associated with low engagement in social and academic activities. On the other hand, individuals with ADHD have a present-oriented view and an aversive view of the future, possibly related to impulsivity.