Balanced Time Perspective as a Pathway to Flourishing: Examining the Role of Gratitude and Sense of Positive Agency

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15826/csp.2025.9.2.331

Abstract

Time is a human’s biggest ally. Balanced Time Perspective (BTP) is one of the crucial variables in the psychological exploration of time. BTP is characterized by a balance between past, present, and future times, essential for flourishing. Using the construal level theory, the present study investigates the influence of BTP on flourishing. The study also examines the mediating role of gratitude and a sense of positive agency in the above-mentioned relationship. Data were collected from 521 respondents (66.6% male, 33.4% female) aged 18 to 29 years across various regions as well as belonging to different residential settings, with 48.6% residing in urban areas, 25.9% in semi-urban areas, and 25.5% in rural areas of India using a purposive sampling method. The sample consisted of individuals with diverse educational qualifications, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD degree holders, and represented both working and non-working individuals. Well-standardized instruments were used to measure the study variables. The data were analyzed using Jamovi software (Version 2.3.26). The results revealed that BTP significantly predicted flourishing both directly and indirectly via gratitude and a sense of positive agency. This study is among the first to explore these mediating relationships, advancing scholarly understanding of how BTP facilitates flourishing. Implications of the study are discussed in the light of study findings.

Author Biographies

Peeyush Anand, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India

Peeyush Anand is currently a doctoral research scholar in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. His main research areas include flourishing, authentic happiness, and well-being among emergent adults. He has presented various research papers in national and international seminars. One of his papers received the Best Paper award at the International Conference on Emerging Issues & Challenges in Global Mental Health and Health for the 21st Century.

Rabindra Kumar Pradhan, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India

Rabindra Kumar Pradhan, PhD, is currently working as a full-time Professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. Prof. Pradhan has more than 20 years of teaching and research experience in psychology and human resources management. He has published more than 70 research papers in reputed international peer-reviewed journals published by Emerald, Springer, Sage, Taylor & Francis, and Inder-science publishers. In addition, he has published five handbooks and 22 book chapters in reputed edited International Handbooks. His research interests cover leadership, OCB, workplace well-being, psychological capital, workplace spirituality, stress and health, and emotional intelligence.

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Published
2025-07-12
How to Cite
Anand, P., & Pradhan, R. (2025). Balanced Time Perspective as a Pathway to Flourishing: Examining the Role of Gratitude and Sense of Positive Agency. Changing Societies & Personalities, 9(2), 331-352. doi:10.15826/csp.2025.9.2.331
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Vol. 9, No. 2 (2025)
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Articles