F. Zimbardo’s factorial concept in the study of the time perspective in adolescents with mental retardation

Abstract

Background. The time perspective can largely determine the effectiveness of the subject both in life as a whole and in various types of activities that comprise it. Measuring and correcting the time perspective of people with mental retardation can improve their performance, social adaptation and integration.

Objective. The purpose of this study is to identify the features of the temporal perspective of adolescents with mental retardation, as a factor that can determine the possibility of forming and achieving a person’s life goals.

Study Participants. The study included adolescents aged 14 to 15 years with mental retardation and their typically developing peers, 35 people in each group.

Methods. Using the F. Zimbardo Time Perspective Questionnaire (ZTPI), a comparative study of the temporal perspective of adolescents with mild mental retardation and their normotypical peers was conducted.

Results. As a result of the study, data were obtained indicating the influence of the nature of intellectual development on a temporal perspective. In adolescents with mental retardation, specific features of temporal perspective were identified, such as a high level of time orientation towards the “Fatalistic Present”, a low level of orientation towards the “Future” and “Negative Past”; at the same time, a lack of tendency towards the formation of a balanced time orientation was discovered.

Conclusions. The data obtained may be due to a combination of volitional and personal features characteristic of mental retardation: difficulties in goal setting, inability to plan to achieve what is desired; external life position, shortcomings of reflection and generalization of life experience.