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Much less research has examined mechanisms that may explain the link between traumatic experiences and adverse outcomes, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Researchers have documented that exposure to traumatic events has negative effects on both physical and mental health. We discuss the limitations of these results as well as implications for the future role of spiritually informed scalable time-travel narrative technologies in healthcare and wellness. Among other effects, the results revealed: (1) high engagement throughout the design process, (2) improvements in self-reported time perspective and overall wellbeing scores that were greater for those using Time Machine during an optional-use period, (3) twice as much improvement in overall wellbeing scores for design partners with high ACEs (16%) versus low ACEs (8%), and (4) feelings of unconditional love apparently mediating the relationship between scores on time perspective and overall wellbeing measures. Using pre-planned as well as post-hoc analyses, we analyzed quantitative and qualitative data from 96 paid design partners (participants) who were taken through a 26-day pilot study of the technology. Among other functionalities, Time Machine allowed people to record and listen to messages as if they were from and to their past and future selves. Our team used an iterative inclusive design process to shape a scalable time-travel narrative tool – a responsive and progressive web application called Time Machine. Time perspective can be improved via time-travel narratives that support people in feeling connected to a wise and loving future version of themselves, an approach that has until now only been provided in counseling contexts. However, people who have had traumas such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are likely to have less balanced time perspectives and lower overall wellbeing when compared to those with fewer or no ACEs. Individuals with a balanced time perspective, which includes good thoughts about the past, awareness of present constraints and adaptive planning for a positive future, are more likely to report optimal wellbeing. The present study contributes to the understanding of the psychological reactions to the current health emergency by confirming its impact on several life domains besides health, not only in the present but also in the anticipated future.
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Finally, gender emerged as a significant moderator of some of the relationships highlighted. BTP affected expected repercussions also indirectly, via affects and beliefs. Results showed that people with a more BTP had fewer negative beliefs about COVID-19's consequences on their future life. Multi-group path analysis was used to test the hypothesized model and to explore gender differences. Participants provided information on BTP, affective states, financial resources, and expectations for the future. We analyzed data from 3991 adults from 18 to 85 years old participating in an online survey conducted during the Italian lockdown. BTP reflects an individual profile with optimal temporal orientations, it is positively associated with mental health, and it has proven to promote successful coping with unexpected crises. This study investigated individual differences in the pandemic's expected repercussions, with particular attention to a Balanced Time Perspective (BTP).
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The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the future are hardly predictable, and people differ in terms of expected repercussions on their future. Discussion centers on implications for research and practice, with an emphasis on the importance of balanced time perspectives, particularly for those adjusting to traumatic events. Overall, more lifetime trauma exposure was related to greater deviation from a balanced time perspective, which likely resulted in less optimism. Regression analyses indicated that deviation from a balanced time perspective partially mediated the path from more trauma exposure to less optimism. Participants were 133 undergraduates (mean age = 23.76 84% females) who completed online surveys assessing lifetime trauma exposure, optimism, and time perspectives. This study assessed direct and mediated associations between lifetime trauma exposure and less optimism, with deviation from a balanced time perspective (individuals’ perception of time that emphasizes the past, present, and future), as a potential mediator. Most individuals experience traumatic events at some point in their lifetime, such as accidents, unexpected death of a loved one or violent crime.