Time perspective differences between depressed patients and non-depressed participants, and their relationships with depressive and anxiety symptoms

Background: Time perspective (TP) can be described as an individual's attitude towards his personal past, present and future. Literature suggests that it plays a role in several areas of psychological functioning (self-efficacy, coping) and impacts actual thoughts and behaviors. However, TP has seldom been studied in mental health, despite previous studies suggesting that the temporal profile is altered in depressed patients. This study investigates the differences of TP between depressed patients and non-depressed participants, and its relationship with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Methods: 45 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder were compared to 43 non-depressed participants recruited in the general population. Participants were asked to answer time perspective (ZTPI), depression (BDI13) and anxiety (STAI-Y) self-report inventories. Statistical analysis included comparisons of scores between depressed patients and non-depressed participants, correlation and regression analysis. Results: Results indicate that TP is significantly altered in depressed patients. They display a more negative view of their past, a less hedonistic perspective towards their present, and a more fatalistic perspective when compared to non-depressed participants. Regression analysis shows that depressive and anxiety symptoms are associated with negative past and fatalistic present, and similar results are found with correlation analysis. Limitations: The size of the sample was small, and longitudinal studies are needed to understand the dynamics and causal relationship between TP and depression. Conclusions: These results underline the importance of considering TP in depressed patients, and encourage an in depth study of the relationship between TP and mood disorders. Therapeutic perspectives are discussed.