Cross-Cultural Study of Relationships among Four Dimensions of Time Perspective

Abstract

The purpose of the present investigation was (a) to describe the internal structure of the concept of time perspective in terms of rationally developed dimensions derived from performance on one task and (b) to determine whether or not this internal structure was in any way different for three ethnic groups (Spanish-American, American Indian, and Anglo-American), two age groups (10 and 16 yr.), and two thematic content areas (religious and social). Measures of temporal extension, location, and kinesis were derived from a story-telling task. Data were analyzed by a multi-dimensional χ3 analysis. The three measures were differentially sensitive to variables introduced. For example, ethnic differences were most clearly shown by the kinetic measure and content differences by extension. A rationale for a partial interpretation of the findings within a cultural context was suggested.

Psychotherapy and the fourth dimension.

“…Hall (1959) and Kluckhohn (1953) theorize that knowledge about a given culture's beliefs about time reveal value orientations as regards the nature of man, social roles, personality types, and the most favored modes of achievement. Cross-cultural studies of this hypothesis (Needham, 1966;Roberts, et al, 1971) demonstrate evidence in its support. Comparisons of the temporal concepts of American and Indian college students showed that Hindu subjects were less inclined towards future planning than their American counterparts (Cottle and Howard, 1969;Meade, 1971).…”