There are several key findings from this study that provide further insight into our understanding of future orientation and its predictors. First, there appears to be evidence that future orientation is a multidimensional construct rather than a unidimensional construct. In this study, measurement models for future orientation were estimated using a unidimensional and multidimensional construction, and the three factor, higher-order model fit better than the single dimension model. Additional support for three separate dimensions comes from the pattern of relations between the three factors and longitudinal predictors – none of the predictors included in the model related to all three dimensions of future orientation. This would suggest value in distinguishing across extension, motivation, and control, rather than referring to the three
constructs as one (i.e., future orientation).