2024 Volume 35 Issue 2 Pages 97-112
This study clarified the associations between response styles, the meaning of significant others, and time continuity by comparing the importance of an individual’s future-time perspective. A total of 359 undergraduate participants completed a questionnaire. Upon analysis, three groups were identified depending on the importance of an individual’s future-time perspective, gender, and time continuity. Group 1 comprised goal-oriented women, Group 2, goal-oriented men, future-anxious types, and present-oriented types. Group 3 comprised future-vague types and future-indifferent types. Multiple population analysis identified three group characteristics. In Group 1, it was noted that one had a strong influence on their future, and usually faced themselves leading to time continuity maintenance. Group 2 temporarily diffused time continuity by avoiding their problems. In Groups 1 and 2, reassurance with their significant others made their time continuity stronger. Interestingly, Group 3 did not avoid and introspect as the other two groups did. However, they felt connections between their present and future with significant others who could be their future models. These results suggest that providing different support types for the three undergraduate groups is required.
