Understanding Behavior in the Context of Time: Theory, Research, and Applications

Understanding Behavior in the Context of Time reviews the research on temporal orientation and brings together the disparate social behaviors influenced by time perspective. Organized into four sections, each chapter includes theory, research, applications, and directions for future research. Some chapters outline novel theoretical approaches that help to expand and/or integrate existing theories. The second part focuses on individual level processes and reviews the conceptualization, measurement, and lifespan development of time orientation; the outcomes associated with various time orientations; and how temporal factors influence attitudes and persuasion. Part three explores the role of time within interpersonal and group level processes as applied to such areas as close relationships, group cooperation, aggression, organizational behavior, pro-environmental behavior, and cultural issues. Social psychologists will find the chapters addressing attitudes, counterfactual thinking, terror management, cooperation, and aggression of interest; personality psychologists will be drawn to the chapters on individual differences in time perspective; and the book's applied emphasis will appeal to health, environmental, and industrial psychologists. The book will also be a valuable addition to courses on temporal orientation.