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The Motivational Properties of Future Time Perspective Future Orientation: Different Approaches, Different Cultures

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Time Perspective Theory; Review, Research and Application

Abstract

This chapter has three parts. The first two present two approaches, which although developed independently, share thematic and motivational properties: future time perspective (FTP) (Lens) and future orientation (FO) (Seginer). Of the rich FTP conceptualization and research the chapter addresses extension and the content of future-set goals, particularly relating to intrinsic and extrinsic goals and autonomous vs. controlled motivation. Drawing on empirical research, it emphasizes that extrinsic goals may also have qualities of autonomous motivation. A concluding comment relates to the past and present motivational properties. The FO approach is a domain-specific, three-component model by which the cognitive representation of the future is preceded by motivational forces and results in behavioral outcomes, also affected by the motivational forces. It is empirically fit for gender, age, and cultural groups. An extended model including interpersonal antecedents and developmental outcomes is domain by culture specific. The third part aligns the two, indicating commonalities, complementarities, and continued research.

Willy Lens (Deceased)

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Counseling and Human Development, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel

    Rachel Seginer

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

    Willy Lens

  3. Unit for Professional Training and Services in the Behavioral Sciences (UNIBS), University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

    Willy Lens

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  1. Rachel Seginer
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  2. Willy Lens
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Correspondence to Rachel Seginer .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland

    Maciej Stolarski

  2. Groupe de Recherche en Psychologie Sociale, Institut de Psychologie, University of Lyon, Lyon-Bron, France

    Nicolas Fieulaine

  3. GGZ Veenendaal, Veenendaal, The Netherlands

    Wessel van Beek

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Seginer, R., Lens, W. (2015). The Motivational Properties of Future Time Perspective Future Orientation: Different Approaches, Different Cultures. In: Stolarski, M., Fieulaine, N., van Beek, W. (eds) Time Perspective Theory; Review, Research and Application. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-07368-2_19

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