Further evidence for the domain specificity of Consideration of Future Consequences in adolescents and University students. (1st July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McKay, Michael T.; Perry, John L.; Cole, Jon C.
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 128(2018)
• Page Start: 127
• Page End: 132
• Publication Date: 2018-07-01
• Subjects: Consideration of Future Consequences -- Domain specific -- Time attitudes -- Temporal focus; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2018.02.032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Abstract: Within the study of temporal psychology, researchers have classified individuals as 'past', 'present', or 'future' depending on how they respond to items in a variety of scales. This labelling implicitly assumes that if an individual is 'future', they are equally 'future' in all domains of life. However, emerging research has suggested that orientation to the future might be domain-specific. Building on previous research with adolescents only, we used an adolescent ( N = 243) sample, and a University ( N = 173) sample to further examine the psychometric validity, internal consistency, and construct validity of the Domain Specific Consideration of Future Consequences (CFC) Scale. Results of Confirmatory Factor Analysis revealed acceptable validity and internal consistency for scale scores. Domain specificity was demonstrated via correlations between Domain Specific CFC scores and scores on other future-orientated constructs. Endorsing self-reported behavior in each domain was also associated with significantly higher scores on Domain Specific CFC factors, in models adjusted for future temporal focus score, subjective life expectancy, and both gender, and sample. With evidence emerging for the domain specificity of CFC scores, it may be time for this literature to examine domain specificity in all constructs. Highlights: Psychometric validity of Domain Specific CFC scores was demonstrated. Scores were also internally consistent. Construct validity was demonstrated using scores on other future measures. Self-reported behavior was associated with higher Domain Specific CFC scores. CFC appears to be a domain specific construct.