Relationship between time perspective profiles and delinquency in Japanese samples

Abstract

Time perspective (TP) is a vital psychological component that has been observed to be related to numerous human behaviors as well as psychological elements. Using the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI), a person’s TP profiles in the past, present, and future can be identified simultaneously. This study examined the association between presence in profiles based on the ZTPI and delinquency. A total of 102 male university students participated in the study. Cluster analysis identified four TP profiles. Among these, the profile characterized by high scores on PN, PH, and PF and low scores on PP and F was found to be positively related to delinquency, while the balanced profile and the profile characterized by low scores on PN, PP, PH, and PF seemed to have a relatively inhibitory effect on delinquency. This result indicates that a balanced TP is not the only temporal profile that can inhibit delinquency. Therefore, further discussions on the balanced TP profile and other profiles are necessary.