Time Perspective and Decision-Making: A Study on Decisional Patterns in Argentinian Adults

The first aim of this study was to adapt the MDMQ to Argentinian Spanish and to collect evidence of its validity and reliability; the second was to determine if time perspectives were adequate predictors of decisionmaking styles. A first sample of 536 participants served in the validation process; a second sample of 209 individuals who completed the mdmq and the Brief Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) was used to conduct descriptive-correlational and regression analyses. Confirmatory factor analysis corroborated a four-factor model with adequate internal consistency for each subscale. Regression analyses showed that future time perspective positively predicted the display of higher vigilant coping patterns —adaptive and rational decision-making style—. Meanwhile, less futuretime- oriented people were more likely to engage in defensive avoidance mechanisms to reach a decision. Past-negative and present-fatalistic time perspectives were positive predictors of non-vigilant decisionmaking style. It indicates that individuals with an aversive vision over their past experiences and present situation are more likely to engage in emotionally based and avoidant decision-making patterns. These findings support the reliability and construct-related validity of the MDMQ for assessing decision-making styles among Argentinian individuals and set a step for conducting more in-depth research in the field of decisionmaking and time perspective.