Time perception and psychopathology: Influence of time perspective on quality of life of severe mental illness.

INTRODUCTION: The study of time perception and mental illness has given priority to time estimation over time perspective. Considering Zimbardo's theory on five dimensions of time perspective, and balanced time perspective profile, this study has aimed to compare people with severe mental illness (SMI) and healthy people, with measurements of time perspective and time estimation and to assess whether the time perspective profile influences the quality of life in people with SMI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using a quasi-experimental design, a clinical group (n=167) corresponding to four samples of severe mental disorders (major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and personality disorders) and healthy people (n=167) were compared in their performance regarding time perspective and time estimation. After, the clinical sample was grouped according to their deviation from the balanced time perspective profile (DBTP) and negative profile (DNTP). These groups were evaluated with health measures and time estimation tasks. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Through the ANOVA, it can be seen that the time perspective profile affects health measurements. There are significant differences between the clinical sample and controls regarding time perspective and time estimation. Within the group of patients, it was observed that those who were closer to the BTP profile had better physical health, and less hopelessness (p<.05). This measurement may favor interventions related to a balanced profile. Results are discussed in relation to contribution of time perspective in the assessment, treatment and quality of life of people with SMI.

Effects of Two Online Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Early Adolescents for Attentional, Emotional, and Behavioral Self-Regulation.

(1) Background: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have shown interesting preliminary effects on self-regulation processes in early adolescence. However, programs have typically combined different types of interventions with no understanding of the specific effect of each intervention type on attentional, emotional, and behavioral regulation. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of two MBIs-one focused on classic attentional practices and another focused on the recognition and expression of emotions-on attentional, emotional, and behavioral self-regulation in early adolescents. (2) Method: An experimental paradigm was used. A sample of 74 children aged between 8 and 12 years old were randomly assigned to three experimental conditions: (1) an MBI with a focus on attentional practices, (2) an MBI with a focus on recognition and expression of emotions, and (3) a control group. The interventions lasted 8 weeks, with a weekly, 1 h online synchronous session plus home practices. Children were evaluated before starting the intervention and at the end of the 8-week period. The assessed outcomes were (1) mindfulness; (2) emotional regulation; (3) attentional regulation, and (4) behavioral regulation. (3) Results: Children who participated in both intervention programs increased their mindfulness and emotional and behavioral regulation scores. Only children who participated in the MBI with a focus on attention showed significant changes in their ability to self-regulate attention. (4) Conclusions: The use of online MBIs, with attention to external and internal stimuli practices, can be a good strategy to strengthen self-regulation skills for attention, emotions, and behavior in early adolescence.

The Effect of Daily Meditative Practices Based on Mindfulness and Self-Compassion on Emotional Distress under Stressful Conditions: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Intervention programs based on self-compassion have demonstrated their efficacy both in reducing psychological distress and increasing well-being. The goal of this study was to test the efficacy of an online intervention to increase mindfulness and self-compassion levels in a non-clinical sample in a highly stressful context: the ten weeks of lockdown imposed in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The intervention sessions consisted of thirty-minute guided meditations followed by thirty minutes of inquiry. Sixty-one participants completed two thirds of the sessions or more, and 65 individuals participated in a waiting-list (WL) control group. Self-compassion, anxiety, depression and stress levels were assessed. The analysis of pre-post results suggests that the interventions increased self-compassion levels and decreased anxiety, depression and stress levels, whereas the WL group did not show any significant changes. The emotional changes in the intervention group were associated with the increase in self-compassion. However, at follow-up, the scores of emotional distress variables returned to the initial pre-intervention scores. These data can be interpreted in line with previous results that have shown the efficacy of self-compassion-based intervention programs. Given that this efficacy was not maintained at follow-up, data are discussed according to the pervasive role of a highly stressful context and-as described in other studies-the need for regular practice to maintain the benefits obtained.

Time Balance and Family Functioning: The Role of Time Perspective in the Cohesion and Adaptability of Families with Adolescents.

Family functioning, understood as cohesion and adaptability, is critical in families with adolescent children, given the changes that this stage implies at the family level. Time perspective is one variable that can facilitate better family functioning through the way people give meaning to the process they live. In this study, we examined the relationship between family functioning and the time perspective of adolescent children's parents. The FACES IV and ZTPI were administered to 276 parents of adolescents. Regression analyses indicated that the past positive, past negative, and future scores predicted family cohesion and adaptability, explaining at least 20% of the variance. Balanced families, with greater cohesion and adaptability, presented a higher level of past positive and future-oriented temporal perspectives, compared to unbalanced families, which presented a greater orientation to the past negative and deviated from the balanced temporal profile. The importance of considering the inter-relationship between family functioning and time perspective was discussed, considering its impact on the health and well-being of families with adolescents.

Systematic Review of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Child-Adolescent Population: A Developmental Perspective.

Human development implies deep changes in cognitive, attentional, emotional, and behavioral skills. Therefore, Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) should be adapted in terms of dose, frequency, kind of exercises, assessment methods, and expected effects regarding the abilities and limitations of each developmental period. The present review seeks to describe and compare MBIs characteristics, assessment methods, and effects in youth between 3 and 18 years old considering four developmental periods. A systematic review was carried out including experimental primary studies published during the last five years. Results show that the frequency of the sessions and program duration varies widely. Differences were observed in instructors' training and in assessment strategies. Discrepancies were observed regarding the effects of MBIs both within and between periods in cognitive, socio-emotional, symptoms, and mindfulness variables. Consistency was observed in prosocial behaviors for preschoolers, and in emotional and behavioral problems and hyperactivity in ages between preschool and early adolescence. Nevertheless, it was impossible to compare most results and determine consistency or discrepancy due to the lack of studies. Regarding mindfulness, it is defined and assessed in different ways in each period. Orientations are suggested to move from a compartmentalized view of isolated MBIs, towards an integrative perspective that allows tracing developmental trajectories for mindfulness and other key cognitive and socioemotional skills for children and adolescents.

Association of Emotion Regulation and Dispositional Mindfulness in an Adolescent Sample: The Mediational Role of Time Perspective.

This study relates emotional regulation strategies with dispositional mindfulness and the mediating role of time perspective. It is based on the fact that one of the mechanisms of mindfulness consists in providing protective emotional regulation strategies. At the same time, a direct relationship between dispositional mindfulness and time perspective has been observed. To do this, a representative sample of 320 Chilean adolescents from the city of Talcahuano, whose age ranged between 14 and 17 years old, and who were attending high school, was evaluated. The Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire were applied. Regression analysis results verified the close relationship between emotional regulation and dispositional mindfulness (R2 = 0.54), as well as with the factors of time perspective (R2 = 0.41), explaining, between both of them, 60% of the variance of difficulties in emotional regulation. The possible mediational role of time perspective between dispositional mindfulness and emotional regulation is established.

Mindfulness and Balanced Time Perspective: Predictive Model of Psychological Well-Being and Gender Differences in College Students.

BACKGROUND: The aims of the study were to establish an adjustment model to analyze the relationship among mindfulness, balanced time perspective (BTP) and psychological well-being (PWB) in college students and to explore gender differences among the variables. METHOD: The sample consisted of 380 college students, 220 women and 160 men, uniformly distributed according to the university's faculties. RESULTS: The results indicate that the synergy between mindfulness and BTP predicts the variance of PWB by 55%. Regarding gender differences, it was found that women have a greater tendency towards Past Positive than men and men a higher tendency towards Present Hedonistic than women. In addition, in the group of women, a stronger relationship was found among the variables and, consequently, a greater predictive value for PWB (58%), displaying an enhanced disposition to high PWB compared to men. CONCLUSIONS: Together, mindfulness and BTP promote optimal psychological functioning and alleviate or reduce discomfort. Thus, their promotion and training in universities is especially important given the high prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in college students.

Effects of a Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Program on Intimate Relationships in a Youth Sample: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Intimate relationship conflicts in young people are crucial experiences for change. They can lead to more or less satisfactory relationships, depending on individuals' skills to cope with these conflicts. This may or may not lead to violence in couples. Acceptance and self-regulation processes are an effective strategy to address individual factors such as avoidance and anxiety in intimate relationships of people in these age groups, thus preventing violence. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an eight-session mindfulness and acceptance-based program (MAP). Participants (n = 40), who were aged from 18 to 25 years old, were randomly assigned to a group receiving the MAP or an active control group. Outcome measures were anxiety about abandonment, intimacy avoidance (Experiences in Close Relationships scale), well-being (Psychological Well-being Scale), dispositional mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire) and flexibility (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II). Measures were taken at pre-intervention, post-intervention and follow-up. Results showed that the MAP decreased anxiety (p = 0.025) and avoidance (p = 0.01) and increased mindfulness (p < 0.001) and flexibility (p = 0.001). In general, these improvements persisted at follow-up. Results are discussed in relation to the usefulness of mindfulness-acceptance strategies to cope with non-pathological intimate relationship conflicts.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Anxiety Disorders. A Systematic Meta-Review.

OBJECTIVE: There has been a growing interest in the study of the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). Many clinical trials and experimental designs have been implemented, with different samples and diverse MBI procedures. Reviews have shown unclear results, apart from a tendency to identify low-to-moderate effectiveness. The purpose of this review is to examine the effectiveness of MBIs on anxiety complaints, analyzing available systematic reviews and meta-analyses. METHOD: The literature search was done in MEDLINE (PubMed) and PsycINFO, from the first available review in 2003 until March 2020. From 82 initial references, 12 reviews were selected. RESULTS: Reviews confirmed a moderate effect size of MBIs in improving anxiety symptoms. This efficacy was similar to that of well-established therapies for reducing anxiety symptoms, such as cognitive behavioral therapies. A large effect size was found when well-developed MBI protocols were applied. DISCUSSION: More refined clinical trials are needed to establish clear conditions of MBI effectiveness (protocols, samples, psychological mechanisms, etc.). In addition, considering mindfulness processes, new outcome measures are needed (such as acceptance, self-awareness, or well-being) to test the incremental value of MBIs.

The Predictive Role of Affectivity, Self-Esteem and Social Support in Depression and Anxiety in Children and Adolescents.

Background: This study analyzes the relationship between depression and anxiety levels and positive and negative affect, self-esteem, and perceived social support from family and friends in an early and middle adolescent sample. These are psychological variables that are often associated with the prediction of emotional disorders, especially depression. Methods: Participants (N = 467) were a representative sample of this group of adolescents and were recruited from schools in the city of Concepción, Chile. Part of the sample (N = 177) was assessed three additional times-at one-, two-, and four-month intervals. Results: Results showed a practical stability of all measures across the four intervals, with no significant differences between sexes. Anxiety and depression displayed a similar pattern of significant relationships with affectivity, self-esteem, and social support. Depression had a higher correlation coefficient (-0.47) with positive affect, and so did anxiety with negative affect (0.58). Conclusions: Taking into account 23 initial scores on affectivity, self-esteem, and social support in predicting both depression and anxiety scores at one-month, two-month, and four-month intervals, positive affect was present in three regression analyses, predicting depression scores; negative affect was present in anxiety scores. Results are discussed according to previous findings, as well as the tripartite model.

Adaptive Reflection on Negative Emotional Experiences: Convergences and Divergence Between the Processing-Mode Theory and the Theory of Self-Distancing Reflection.

Reflecting on negative emotional experiences can be adaptive but it can also maintain or intensify detrimental emotional states. Which factors determine whether reflection can have one consequence or another is unclear. This study focused on two research programs that have concentrated on this topic in the last decades: processing-mode theory (PMT) and self-distancing theory (SDT). The article described and contrasted both programs and their findings. The promising results that PMT and SDT have achieved in identifying the differences between the forms of adaptive and maladaptive reflection are highlighted. Likewise, the disconcerting contradictions observed between both programs that make integrating the findings difficult are indicated. The PMT states that adaptive reflection is concrete, and it is focused on the how of the experience. The SDT states that adaptive reflection is self-distanced and focused on the global meaning of the experience. The article finishes by indicating possible explanations for these apparent contradictions and outlines the challenges to be solved to improve comprehension of the topic.

Teorías subjetivas sobre el tiempo de espera y experiencias de la parentalidad adoptiva / Subjective theories about waiting time and experiences from adoptive parenting

Resumen El proceso de adopción comprende cambios importantes en las familias adoptivas, pues implica una reestructuración y adaptación a una nueva organización del sistema familiar. Durante este proceso los padres elaboran expectativas y creencias respecto a cómo comportarse frente a los cambios y adaptarse a sus hijos, desde donde dirigen sus prácticas de crianza. La percepción del tiempo que tenga cada persona posee un papel en cómo se desarrolla la identidad tanto individual como familiar, pues las experiencias pasadas, vivencias actuales y expectativas del futuro influyen en sus acciones. Por lo tanto, es posible decir que los padres adoptivos elaboran teorías subjetivas sobre este proceso y especialmente en relación con el tiempo de espera de la adopción, explicaciones que podrían incidir en la forma en que enfrentan este nuevo desafío y se preparan para la parentalidad. El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo comprender las teorías subjetivas sobre el tiempo de espera y las experiencias de la parentalidad adoptiva. Participaron diez madres y padres adoptivos mediante entrevistas episódicas individuales. Se analizaron los datos obtenidos utilizando técnicas de tres procedimientos de análisis: de contenido basado en la Teoría Fundamentada, específico para las teorías subjetivas y de la perspectiva temporal. De los hallazgos se destacan teorías subjetivas de contenido emocional ansioso durante el proceso de adopción. Además, contar con una red de apoyo, compartir experiencias con otros padres y el uso de estrategias personales son las principales estrategias de adaptación de los padres adoptivos que les permiten sobrellevar los sentimientos negativos durante el proceso.

Abstract The adoption process includes important changes in adoptive families, since it implies a restructuring and adaptation to a new organization of the family system. The path to parenthood entails changes at levels of mental, physical and social health, which in the case of adoptive parents, the challenges are greater or are altered in some way due to the unique characteristics of their experiences and the obstacles they face. To these challenges are added the usual stressors that parents face, such as changes in roles, increased stress, lack of sleep, alterations in the relationship and intimacy of the couple and difficulties that arise in raising their children. On the other hand, time is configured as a concrete dimension through which life develop. The relationship between objective time and subjective or psychological time will shape the perception of time that each person has, which has a role in how both individual and family identity develops. This is because people´s actions are influenced by past experiences, current experiences and future expectations. One of the areas of the adoption process that has not yet been deepened is the waiting time, the period of time between obtaining the suitability and assignment of the minor to the adoptive family, which can be considered important for the future family depending on how adoptive parents face it, this because the way in which the adoption process is experienced impacts both the path to parenthood and post-adoption adaptation. In fact, it confirms that waiting time influences the psychological well-being of adoptive parents. Therefore, it is possible to say that adoptive parents elaborate subjective theories about this process and especially in relation to the waiting time for adoption, explanations that could influence the way in which they face this new challenge and prepare for parenthood. The present study aimed to understand subjective theories about the waiting time and experiences of adoptive parenting. Ten adoptive mothers and fathers participated in this study through individual episodic interviews. The data obtained were analyzed using techniques of three analysis procedures: content based on Grounded Theory, specific for subjective theories and time perspective.

Reduciendo la ideación suicida en adolescentes con terapia de perspectiva temporal. Un estudio experimental / Reducing suicidal ideation in adolescents with time perspective therapy. An experimental study

Resumen El suicidio es una de las principales causas de muerte en el mundo, problema que en los últimos años ha venido en aumento sostenido para la población adolescente. En particular, la ideación suicida se ha relacionado fuertemente con el intento suicida, un predictor directo del suicidio; sin embargo, se encuentran escasas estrategias para disminuir la ideación suicida diseñadas principalmente para la depresión. Considerando las posibilidades terapéuticas de la teoría de Zimbardo sobre la perspectiva temporal equilibrada, en el presente estudio se diseñó una intervención breve basada en la perspectiva del tiempo para adolescentes con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de una intervención de perspectiva temporal en la modificación de indicadores de ideación y conducta suicida en adolescentes. De este modo, se realizó un estudio experimental, donde 82 participantes de 15 a 19 años fueron asignados a una intervención experimental o a un grupo control. Los participantes del grupo experimental (n = 43) participaron durante 8 sesiones del programa de intervención de perspectiva del tiempo denominado "Serenamente". Las mediciones pre-post se realizaron sobre las variables de ideación suicida (Okasha), el perfil temporal (ZTPI) y la calidad de vida (SF-36). Como resultados, se encontró que la intervención reduce la ideación suicida en un 41 %; y que, posiblemente, mejora la salud física de quienes reciben este tipo de tratamiento. Los resultados son un avance promisorio con fines preventivos en contextos educativos y de salud.

Abstract Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the world, a problem that has been steadily increasing in recent years for the adolescent population. In particular, suicidal ideation has been strongly associated with suicide attempt, a direct predictor of suicide; however, few strategies to decrease suicidal ideation designed primarily for depression are found. Considering the therapeutic possibilities of Zimbardo's theory on balanced time perspective, in the present study a brief intervention for adolescents based on that theory was designed with the aim of evaluating the effect of a time perspective intervention on the modification of indicators of suicidal ideation and behavior in adolescents. Thus, an experimental study was conducted, where 82 participants aged 15 to 19 were assigned to either an experimental intervention or a control group. The participants of the experimental group (n = 43) engaged in eight sessions of the time perspective intervention program called "Serenity". Pre-post measurements were made on the variables of suicidal ideation (Okasha), time profile (ZTPI) and quality of life (SF-36). Results show that the intervention reduces suicidal ideation by 41%; and that, possibly, it improves the physical health of those who receive this type of treatment. The results are a promising advance for preventive purposes in educational and health contexts.

Adaptation and Factor Structure of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale on Chilean Children and Adolescents / Adaptación y estructura factorial de la Escala de Ansiedad y Depresión Hospitalaria en niños y adolescentes chilenos

Abstract The high prevalence of mental disorders related to anxiety and depressive mood during childhood and adolescence requires a constant screening of the levels of such variables. For that purpose, instruments that are valid, reliable and easy to administrate are needed. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) represents an instrument with those characteristics. The aim of this study was to adapt the HADS, in a representative sample (between 8 and 16 years old) of Chilean children and adolescents. The study was conducted in four stages: cognitive interviews (N=10), confirmatory factor analysis (N=467), test-retest with two weeks (n=126) and one-month (n=227) intervals. The results indicated that the adapted HADS, with an extension of 12 items, would have a structure of two factors (anxiety and depressive mood), adequate reliability for the anxiety subscale (n = .75), but not for depression (n = .65), an absence of a significant correlation between factors, and differences according to gender and type of school. It is concluded that the adapted HADS is reliable for its use with Chilean adolescents. This study supports the two-factor structure of anxiety-depression. However, the structure of three factors also reached significant adjustment coefficients.

Resumen La alta prevalencia de trastornos mentales relacionados con la ansiedad y el estado de ánimo depresivo durante la infancia y la adolescencia requiere una detección oportuna de los niveles de tales variables en esta población. Para este propósito se requieren instrumentos válidos, confiables y fáciles de administrar. La Escala de Ansiedad y Depresión Hospitalaria (HADS) representa un instrumento con esas características. El objetivo de este estudio fue adaptar la HADS en una muestra representativa (entre 8 y 16 años) de niños y adolescentes chilenos. El estudio se realizó en cuatro etapas: entrevistas cognitivas (N = 10), análisis factorial confirmatorio (N = 467), test-retest en intervalos de dos semanas (n = 126) y un mes (n = 227). Los resultados indicaron que la HADS adaptada de 12 ítems, tendría una estructura de dos factores (ansiedad y ánimo depresivo), confiabilidad adecuada para la subescala de ansiedad (a = .75), pero no para el ánimo depresivo (a = .65), ausencia de correlación significativa entre factores y diferencias según género y tipo de escuela. Se concluye que la HADS adaptada es confiable para su uso con adolescentes chilenos. Este estudio apoya la estructura de dos factores de ansiedad-depresión, sin embargo, la estructura de tres factores también alcanzó coeficientes de ajuste significativos.

Propiedades psicométricas del inventario de orientación temporal de zimbardo en una muestra chilena / Psychometric properties of the zimbardo's time perspective inventory in a chilean sample

La percepción del tiempo es una capacidad esencial para la adaptación del ser humano al ambiente. Un aspecto de su estudio, la orientación temporal, caracteriza la actitud de las personas hacia el presente, pasado y futuro. El ZTPI ha sido adaptado en múltiples países, y se han descrito aplicaciones en psicología clínica y de la salud. Este estudio busca adaptar y describir las propiedades del instrumento en una muestra chilena. Se reclutaron 604 participantes, entre 18 y 70 años. Las propiedades de los ítems y el análisis factorial exploratorio, señalan que es posible mantener la estructura original del instrumento con cinco factores. Reubicando 6 ítems el Alpha de Cronbach va desde .59 para Pasado Positivo a .80 para Pasado Negativo y Futuro. Son discutidas diferencias de género y edad. Siendo necesario otros estudios de validación, se establece como test útil para investigar la orientación temporal en población chilena.

Time perception is a fundamental capacity for adapting of people. One aspect, time perspective is a functional attitude that characterize to persons with their past, present and future. With ZTPI , these dimensions are tested in many countries, and theory from authors of ZTPI is linked to different areas of Clinical and Health Psychology. The aim of this study is adapting and describing the first psychometrics properties of the inventory in a Chilean sample. The 604 participants (18-70 years old) answered voluntary the inventory. The properties of the items and the factorial analysis show that the test maintains the factorial structure. With a new position of six items, the rank of Cronbach's Alpha is between .59 for Past Positive and .80 for Future. Gender and age differences are discussed. Is necessary further studies but this test shows that ZTPI has a utility metric for time perspective in Chilean population.

Percepción del tiempo: resultados de una intervención grupal breve para el cambio del perfil temporal / Time perception: results of a brief group intervention to change time perspective profiles

La teoría de la perspectiva del tiempo de Zimbardo (1999) plantea una clasificación de las dimensiones de la orientación temporal, medidas con el Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI), la cual propone, por una parte, que si se tiene una actitud positiva y moderada hacia el pasado, el presente y el futuro, se puede desarrollar mayor bienestar y buena salud tanto mental como física, mientras que actitudes negativas o extremas reflejarían pautas de vida poco saludables. El principal objetivo de esta investigación es evaluar el efecto de una intervención grupal breve para la modificación del perfil temporal. Para este fin, se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental con grupo control en una muestra de 28 estudiantes universitarios; 14 de ellos formaron el grupo experimental y 14 formaron el grupo control. Los resultados muestran que la intervención realizada al grupo experimental modificó la orientación temporal de los participantes hacia un perfil equilibrado. Para terminar, se concluye que, con una intervención breve y grupal que potencie un pasado positivo y un futuro y un presente más saludables, es posible lograr un perfil equilibrado. Posteriores estudios podrían evaluar el impacto de la modificación del perfil temporal en población clínica.

Zimbardo's time perspective theory (1999) provides a classification of the dimensions of time perspective, which can be measured with the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI). This inventory proposes that if people have a positive and balanced attitude toward the past, present, and future, they can develop greater well-being and good mental and physical health. A negative attitude can reflect unhealthy life patterns. The main aim of this study was to assess the effect of a brief group intervention to modify time perspective profiles. Research was conducted under a quasi-experimental design with a control group. The sample included 28 university students, 14 in the experimental group and 14 in the control group. The results show that intervention in the experimental group modified the time perspective of each participant toward a balanced time perspective profile. In conclusion, a balanced time perspective profile can be achieved with a brief group intervention that seeks to favor a positive past and a healthier present and future. Further studies should assess the impact of modifying time perspective among the clinical population.