An A-B-C Model on Time Perspective, Coping, and Happiness

Time perspective dominates our life through its impact on behavior, emotions, coping, and how we interact. We use different coping mechanisms when dominated by opposing emotions. These emotions further affect our feelings about different time periods in life. This paper aimed to understand the effect of time perspective on coping and happiness among young adults in India. The objectives were to assess the relationship between time perspective, coping, and happiness, to study the effect of time perspective on coping and happiness, and to assess the indirect effect of time perspective on coping mediated by level of happiness. 200 young adults aged 18-24 filled Zimbardo’s Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI-short), Subjective Happiness Scale, and Coping Scale. Findings showed significant correlations between variables. Time perspective explained 8% variance in coping and as much as 25% variance in happiness. A full mediation model was seen between negative time perspective and coping via happiness. Partial mediation occurred when positive time perspective was taken in place of negative time perspective. Hence, happiness plays an indirect role in time perspective’s effect on coping.