Emotional intelligence and self-actualization as predictors of future time perspective in community-dwelling older adults

Aging Ment Health. 2026 May 24:1-8. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2026.2672087. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To examine the associations among emotional intelligence (EI), self-actualization, and future time perspective (FTP) in community-dwelling older adults, and to determine whether EI and self-actualization predict FTP.

METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional correlational design was used. A convenience sample of 265 adults aged ≥ 60 years was recruited from community older adults clubs. Validated measures of EI, self-actualization, and FTP were administered via structured interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS: Participants reported moderate EI and self-actualization and moderate-to-high FTP. FTP correlated positively with EI (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) and self-actualization (r = 0.50, p < 0.001). In regression analyses, EI (β = 0.42, p < 0.001) and self-actualization (β = 0.28, p < 0.001) independently predicted FTP, explaining 37.9% of its variance.

CONCLUSION: EI and self-actualization are key psychological resources associated with a more expansive FTP in later life. Interventions that strengthen emotional and personal development may support motivation, resilience, and healthy aging. However, the cross-sectional design and convenience sampling approach limit causal inference and generalizability of the findings.

PMID:42177787 | DOI:10.1080/13607863.2026.2672087