r5.72 (past satisfaction), r5.92 (present satisfaction), and r5.59 (future satisfaction). In sample 3, self-rated
optimism ( Scheier & Carver, 1985 ) exhibited positive correlations of r5.45,r5.22, and r5.38 with past, present,
and future satisfaction, respectively. In sample 3, correlations between extraversion ( Costa & McCrae, 1992 ) and
satisfaction were r5.34 (past satisfaction), r5.19 (present satisfaction), and r5.40 (future satisfaction).
Divergent/Discriminant
In sample 1, the TSWLS yielded significant but lower coefficients with measures of the affective components
of subjective well-being (SWB) than with measures of the cognitive component (e.g., SWLS; Diener et al., 1985 ).
In sample 3, correlations between the TSWLS and peer-rated optimism ( Scheier & Carver, 1985 ) and self-rated
openness ( Costa & McCrae, 1992 ) were not significant. Negative correlations were obtained between neuroticism
(Costa & McCrae, 1992 ) and satisfaction, with r52.58 (past satisfaction), r52.46 (present satisfaction), and
r52.52 (future satisfaction) in sample 3.
Construct/Factor Analytic
An orthogonally rotated principal components analysis of the data from sample 2 yielded a three-dimensional
solution. Three components that represented the items of past satisfaction, present satisfaction, and future satis-
faction, respectively, with eigenvalues greater than 1 explained 73.80% of the total variance.
Criterion/Predictive
Correlations between self-reported health and the TSWLS yielded coefficients of r5.41, r5.32, r5.39, and
r5.45 for past, present, and future satisfaction as well as the total score of the TSWLS, respectively (sample 3).
A hierarchical regression analysis with a composite score for SWB (i.e., peer-reported SWLS and peer-reported
happiness scores [ Fordyce, 1977 ]) as the criterion variable, and the three time dimensions of the TSWLS as pre-
dictors, yielded significant R2-changes for the future satisfaction score in step 3, over and above the significant
increment of present satisfaction in step 1. Past satisfaction, entered in step 2, failed to explain significant addi-
tional variance. Nevertheless, the results show the incremental validity due to adding in the temporal aspect
when assessing life satisfaction among adults.
Location
Pavot, W., Diener, E., & Suh., E. (1998). The Temporal Satisfaction with Life Scale. Journal of Personality
Assessment ,70, 340/C0354.
Results and Comments
Research on the TSWLS has provided promising, preliminary evidence of its reliability and validity as a mea-
sure of global life satisfaction suitable for young, middle, and older-aged individuals (from 18 to 99 years).
Divergence across a number of validation variables (e.g., optimism, extraversion) among the three time frames
was reported, which supports the meaningfulness of the TSWLS scores. The TSWLS is based on the idea that it
can be useful when judging life as a whole to have the opportunity to differentiate past, present, and future-
related perspectives. The inclusion of the temporal dimensions opens the possibility of research investigating the
roles and antecedents of life satisfaction from a developmental perspective.
TEMPORAL SATISFACTION WITH LIFE SCALE
Below are 15 statements with which you may
agree or disagree. These statements concern either
your past, present, or future. Using the 1 /C07s c a l e
below, indicate your agreement with each item by
placing the appropriate number on the line preced-
ing that item. Please be open and honest in your
responding.
1/C0Strongly disagree; 2 /C0Disagree, 3 /C0Slightly dis-
agree; 4 /C0Neither agree nor disagree; 5 /C0Slightly agree,
6/C0Agree; 7 /C0Strongly agree1.If I had my past to live over, I would change
nothing.
2.I am satisfied with my life in the past.
3.My life in the past was ideal for me.
4.The conditions of my life in the past were excellent.
5.I had the important things I wanted in my past.
6.I would change nothing about my current life.
7.I am satisfied with my current life.
8.My current life is ideal for me.
9.The current conditions of my life are excellent.107 OVERVIEW OF THE MEASURES
II. EMOTIONAL DISPOSITIONS