Identification of the multidimensional model of subjective time experience

Abstract

A comprehensive metaanalysis of empirical studies on the phenomenon of subjective time-distortion has provided strong evidence that a close relationship between subjective timedistortion occurrence and subjective signifi cance (or emotional judgment) of stimulus exists. The authors suggest an original model of subjective time passage experience consisting of two bipolar dimensions – emotional judgment and perceived speed of time passage. Experimental and statistical verifi cation of this model is the main objective of this study. Participants were 30 undergraduate students (15 males and 15 females) ranging in age from 20 to 26 years. Sophisticated experimental design based on the presentation of music samples with a specifi c emotion potential was developed. Actual emotional experience triggered by the music samples will be registered via semantic differential technique, together with retrospective time duration and time passage judgment. Eysenck Personality Questionnaire was also administrated. Data will be processed by variety of inductive statistics methods. The identifi ed multidimensional model may signifi cantly enrich many areas of psychological theory and practice. Above all, it is expected to provide valuable data for the development of a new psychodiagnostic method for affective disorders assessment.