Time matters more for the wise: Intelligence boosts the effects of balanced time perspective on well-being

Hitherto research has provided strong evidence for pronounced effects of balanced time perspective (TP) on various aspects of subjective well-being. Recent studies have linked temporal balance to various aspects of... [ view full abstract ]

Hitherto research has provided strong evidence for pronounced effects of balanced time perspective (TP) on various aspects of subjective well-being. Recent studies have linked temporal balance to various aspects of cognitive functioning, demonstrating some interesting associations between TP dimensions and intelligence and executive functions. Based on the conceptual frames of TP theory, we hypothesized that the benefits of developing a balanced TP profile may be greater in highly intelligent individuals, as their elevated cognitive capacity should enable them to switch between particular time horizons (the past, the present, and the future) in a more effective way, leading to more adequate responses to situational demands. As a result, the well-established association between balanced TP and well-being should be stronger in high-IQ individuals. We tested these predictions in two independent samples of adults (n=385) and adolescents (n=251). In both studies, the predicted moderating role of IQ was confirmed: The effects of temporal balance on well-being were much stronger at higher levels of IQ. These results broadens our knowledge on the interplay between intelligence and other individual differences in shaping human psychological functioning.