Time perspective and health-promoting behavior in a cardiac rehabilitation population

Behavior changes can significantly improve outcomes for patients in the cardiac rehabilitation population. The authors examined the influence of time perspectives on health-promoting behaviors of patients for whom the future might be perceived as limited, although goal-directed behavior changes are crucial. Measures included the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLPII). In this study of 74 cardiac participants with a mean age of 60.2 years, the preponderant time perspective was found to be past-positive orientation. The authors discuss the effects of a life-threatening event and older age on time perspective and health-promoting behaviors and consequent implications for cardiac rehabilitation programs.