The Time Perspective of University Students: Implications for Academic Guidance and Orientation

Abstract

The present study has three objectives. One is to assess the link that exists between the time perspective in present life and the transcendent future perspective in students of higher education, based on the results of the application of two questionnaires designed by Zimbardo and Boyd. It also is designed to analyze the relationship between these time factors and demographic variables such as age and gender, belonging to an institution, and the practice of a religion. Finally, pursuant to the information obtained, the study is intended to offer input on the orienting or guiding action of academic advisors and its influence on the development of a student’s life project. First, a theoretical framework on the construct of the time perspective and on the guiding action of a tutor or advisor is broken down. Then, the information obtained from a sample of 351 Argentine students at four institutions of higher learning is described and analyzed. Finally, several educational guidelines are introduced that can be used in academic counselling. The data that was collected show a strong correlation between time factors and how to cope with present time. In effect, this link occurs between factors such as Negative Past, Hedonist Present and Fatalist Present, on the one hand; and between Future, Transcendent Future and Positive Present factors and Positive Present and Future factors, on the other. Similarly, differences were found when linking with dimensions with demographic aspects, mainly with belonging to an institution and gender.