What Makes the Time Tradeoff Tick? A Sociopsychological Explanation

Background A theoretical interpretation of factors influencing time tradeoff (TTO) scores is lacking. In this conceptual study, we use a sociopsychological theory, terror management theory (TMT), to explain how death thoughts may play a role in the TTO method. TMT describes how respondents suppress death thoughts by invoking psychological defenses, such as self-esteem, and by bolstering cultural values. Research Question What is the relation between TMT and TTO scores? Methods A framework is developed to link TMT to TTO scores. Predictions of the framework pertain to the directionality of relations between characteristics (e.g., being religious) affecting TTO scores. These predictions are then tested against the findings in the literature. Results The value “prolonging life†can be used as a linking pin between TTO and TMT as it is relevant for both TMT and TTO. It is argued that the value “prolonging life†is related to TTO scores but also to TMT defense strengths. Thus, TMT defense strengths become associated with trading. Directionality predictions of the framework were confirmed in 34 out of 39 retrospective tests ( P