Time perspective and social relations: A stress and coping perspective

Abstract

Traumatic events can profoundly affect perceptions of time with significant impacts—altered time perspective (TP) promotes peritraumatic dissociation, a component of acute stress and predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder. Social relationships also play a critical role in shaping how we respond to trauma. This chapter explores the interplay between time perspective and social relationships and its impact on general well-being and psychological adaptation to trauma in three studies, two of which were conducted in the immediate aftermath of collective trauma. Findings reveal that our perceptions of time and the quality of our social relationships following trauma will likely have a significant impact on our subsequent well-being. To the extent that social relationships and TP work interdependently to affect adaptation to trauma, these findings support development of innovative clinical applications that incorporate TP-social relationship processes to promote resilience.