Balanced time perspective and mental health: Mechanisms and theoretical framework

Abstract: Time Perspective (TP) is a crucial psychological framework that allows individuals to classify, organize, and manage their life and social experiences. Achieving a balance between the past, present, and future is essential for optimizing social adaptation, facilitating well-being, and promoting mental health. However, the theoretical framework and underlying mechanisms linking balanced time perspective (BTP) to mental health remain unclear due to the lack of clarity in its concept and limited measurement methods. Based on the review of existing studies, a dual-pathway theoretical framework has been developed. This framework encompasses different conceptual orientations of BTP and could serve to clarify the direct and indirect paths, as well as the potential boundary conditions, between the 'time shift orientation' and 'general healthy orientation' aspects of BTP and mental health. Future research should aim to clearly distinguish between these different conceptual orientations of BTP, focus on developing measurement methods for 'time shift orientation' BTP, and deepen both theoretical and empirical exploration of BTP and mental health, particularly within the context of Chinese culture.