Refining the clinical application of the consideration of future consequences scale -14

Abstract

Within the temporal psychology literature, evidence has been presented for a relationship between a variety of health indicators, including alcohol-related problems, as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression, and a variety of temporal constructs. Recently, it was claimed that the two factors of the Consideration of Future Consequences (CFC) Scale-14 (CFCS-14) were both practically and conceptually useful in understanding the relationship between CFC and various criterion variables. The present study examined the relationship between these two factors (consideration of immediate and consideration of future consequences) and symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as problematic alcohol use. Participants were recruited from a University in the North West of England, and completed the CFCS-14, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results offer support for the psychometric validity and internal consistency of the CFCS-14, and further reveal a modest relationship between its factors and criterion variables. Compared to temporal psychology measures focussing on time attitudes or time perspective, the clinical or practical utility of the CFCS-14 in understanding these health domains may be limited.