Typically, past orientation predicts negative psychological outcomes and future
orientation predicts positive psychological outcomes. However, orienting to the past need not always
produce negative psychological outcomes. When the past is viewed from a positive hedonic frame,
or a frame that lays a foundation of self-knowledge, self-awareness and collective belonging and
pride, positive associations with the self are made. Conversely, if one’s future focus is based in fear
and worry, concern with a lack of control, then the psychological impact in the present may be
much less positive. Study 1 demonstrated that Past-Self-Knowledge is positively, and Future-Worry is
negatively related to psychological well being. Study 2 showed that death salience disrupted patterns
of future and past time travel drawing people more closely to the present.