Time Orientation among Emergency doctors: A Field Study

Abstract

The concept of time is considered one of the most vital concepts that has engaged the interest of numerous scholars, including psychologists. Time serves as the framework we rely on to organize our daily lives. However, each individual has a unique experience with time, shaped by past experiences that influence the formation of their time perspective and structure their lives through an orientation toward the past, present, or future. Within this context, this study aims to investigate the time orientation of emergency physicians. Through this contribution, we also seek to highlight the importance of time orientation in organizing our lives and making decisions to alleviate psychological stress. To address this topic, we formulated the following research problem: What is the time orientation (past, present, future) among emergency Doctors? To address this problem, we relied on the clinical method and the case study approach. As data collection tools, we conducted semi-structured clinical interviews and integrated observations within these interviews, alongside applying the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI). Furthermore, this research reviewed previous literature addressing the topic of time orientation. Ultimately, the study revealed the dominant time orientation among emergency physicians.