Adverse experiences and risk behaviors in looked after youth: the role of time perspective and expectations

Abstract

Adolescents in residential care typically have experienced potentially traumatic events, which impact their cognitive functioning and behaviour. Research indicates that adverse experiences such as domestic violence, child abuse and neglect affect adolescents’ time perspective, particularly in the development of negative views of their past, present and future, and an increase in the probability of them engaging in risky behaviors. This study investigated the role that time perspective, particularly the orientation towards the future, and expectations, play in the relationship between adverse past experiences of adolescents in residential care and their involvement in risky behaviors. Participants included 57 youths living in foster homes, aged between 13 and 18 years. Measures utilised were adverse experiences, risky behaviors, expectations, and time perspective. Results show that future orientation and expectations do not play a moderating role in the relationship between adverse experiences and risky behaviors. There is also a predominant orientation of adolescents towards the hedonistic present and the negative past. These results contribute to a better understanding of the impact of adverse experiences in childhood in looked after adolescents’ time perspective and behavior.