Functions of Future Thinking Scale: Turkish Adaptation, Validity and Reliability Study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to adapt the Functions of Future Thinking Scale (FoFTS), developed by Hallford and D’Argembeau (2022), which consists of 30 items and 10 factors, into Turkish and to examine its psychometric properties. Future thinking refers to the ability to mentally simulate future scenarios, events, or conditions in which an individual may be involved (Akbari etal., 2024).Following the translation process, the psychometric properties of the scale were tested in two separate studies. In Study 1, data were collected from 313 participants using an online survey, and exploratory factor analysis was conducted. The findings indicated that, consistent with the original scale, the structure consisted of ten subdimensions: Boredom Reduction, Preparation for Death, Identity Contrast, Negative Emotion Regulation, Social Bonding, Goal Setting, Planning, Problem Solving, Decision Making, and Positive Emotion Regulation. In Study 2, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted with 296 participants, and the fit indices demonstrated that the model showed good fit, χ²(360) = 934, p < .001, CFI = .91, TLI = .89, SRMR = .05, RMSEA = .06, 90% CI [.059, .069], AIC = 25145, BIC = 25682. Reliability analyses revealed that Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged from.78 to .91 in Study 1 and from.72 to .88 in Study 2. Unlike existing measuresoftime perspective and future orientation, this scale provides a multidimensional assessment of the functional purposes underlying future-oriented thought. The findings indicate that the Turkish version of the scale is valid and reliable and can be used in research examining the functions of future thinking.