Mindfulness Promotes a More Balanced Time Perspective: Correlational and Intervention-Based Evidence

Higher mindfulness relates to a more balanced time perspective—less focus on negative views of the past and future. Cross-sectional data from 212 adults with little mindfulness training showed that mindfulness scores were most strongly linked to lower Future Negative and Past Negative scores. Two mindfulness-based interventions (a mindfulness instructor course and a mindful self-compassion program) reduced deviations from a balanced time perspective (Cohen's d = −0.46), with lower Past Negative and Future Negative and a small increase in Past Positive. The findings suggest mindfulness promotes a balanced time perspective and may reduce repetitive negative thinking.

Study at a glance

Abstract

To investigate the relationship between mindfulness and aspects of time perspective (TP, i.e., habitual views of past, present, future). We examined cross-sectional associations between an established measure of mindfulness (FFMQ) and an extended version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (Swedish ZTPI; S-ZTPI) in a sample with little experience of mindfulness training (n = 212). In addition, we evaluated the effects of two mindfulness-based interventions (a mindfulness instructor course involving 29 participants and a mindful self-compassion program, n = 40 for the intervention group, n = 41 for controls) on mindfulness and measures of TP including an aggregate measure of deviations from a proposed optimal, or balanced, time perspective (DBTP). Cross-sectional data were consistent with a model by which part of the relationship between mindfulness and perceived stress is mediated by reduced DBTP. Global mindfulness scores showed the strongest (negative) associations with the S-ZTPI scales Future Negative and Past Negative. Comparisons of pre/post-intervention data revealed significant mindfulness-based intervention-related reductions of DBTP (Cohen’s d = − 0.46), with lowered scores on Past Negative and Future Negative and a small increase on Past Positive. The results support the notion that a higher level of mindfulness promotes a more balanced time perspective, with a reduced focus on negative aspects of the past and negative anticipations of the future. Relations to repetitive negative thought processes (rumination, worry) and a potential bidirectional influence of mindfulness and aspects of time perspective are discussed.