South Korean short version of the Swedish Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory

Balance in time perspectives has been gaining interest in South Korea since it is considered as a precondition for an individual's mental health and happiness. However, measuring the time perspective with the Swedish Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (S-ZTPI) - which consists of 64 items, including a Future Negative dimension - creates difficulties in practical use due to its length. The aim of the present study is to develop and validate a South Korean short version of the Swedish Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (KS-S-ZTPI) in a total sample of 725 adults in South Korea. The factor structure of this inventory was investigated, and the validity and reliability of the inventory were analyzed. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was first performed along with a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to identify internal consistency. The results showed that the KS-S-ZTPI, containing 16 items, supported a four-factor model: "Past Negative," "Past Positive," "Present Hedonistic," and "Future" time perspectives. Finally, the correlations with depression, anxiety, life satisfaction, and self-esteem were examined to evaluate convergent and discriminant validity. The results showed that "Past Negative" and "Present Hedonistic" time perspectives were negatively associated with self-esteem but positively associated with depression and anxiety. On the other hand, "Past Positive" and "Future" time perspectives were positively associated with self-esteem and life satisfaction, but negatively associated with depression and anxiety. Considering these results, implications and suggestions are discussed.