Core Features and Longitudinal Pathways Between Positive Future Thinking and Depression

• In Event: AERA Research in Progress Roundtable Session One
  In Invited Roundtable: Research-in-Progress RT011 (Wednesday)

Abstract

Positive future thinking (PFT), the cognitive ability to project oneself into a desired future, relates closely to depression. However, there are mixed findings about the effect of PFT. Our research aimed to address the disagreement by identifying the core facet/feature of PFT in relation to depression and exploring the longitudinal pathways. Study 1 collected data from 219 young adults and found possibility to be the core feature of PFT by network models. Study 2 tracked the previous participants for three months. We found PFT possibility may increase the effort individuals took towards their desired future which in turn increased their progress on their future and finally decreased depression. Study 3 will investigate the mechanism in the daily level.

Authors

• Yuancheng Wu, University of Minnesota

• Haoran Li, University of Minnesota

• Juzhe Xi, East China Normal University