Self-Transcendence as a Key Predictor in Bipolar Disorder Remission: A Time Perspective and Temperament Study

Creative Commons License

Ay R., KILINÇEL Ş., Bakırcı G., Kılınçel O.

Psychiatry and Clinical Psychopharmacology, vol.36, no.3, pp.312-321, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to examine how individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) in remission perceive time and how this perception is associated with their temperament and character traits. Methods: A total of 65 patients diagnosed with BD in remission, according to DSM-5 criteria, and 65 age-and gender-matched healthy controls were included. Remission was confirmed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D < 8) and the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS < 6). All participants completed the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Group differences were analyzed using independent samples t-tests, relationships among variables were assessed via correlation analysis, and multiple linear and logistic regression models were conducted to determine predictive factors. Results: The BD group exhibited significantly higher self-transcendence scores than the control group (P = .002). In the BD group, past-negative perspective was positively correlated with harm avoidance (r = 0.574, P= 0.001) and negatively with self-directedness (r = −0.586, P =.001). Present hedonism showed a strong positive correlation with self-transcendence (r = 0.595, P =.001). Linear regression analysis revealed that past-negative perception was significantly predicted by harm avoidance and self-directedness (R2adj =0,60, P<.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that higher self-transcendence scores significantly increased the risk of BD diagnosis (OR = 1.147, 95% CI [1.066-1.235], P<.001), while higher present-hedonism scores were associated with a decreased risk (OR = 0.933, 95% CI [0.879-0.991], P =.023). Conclusion: These findings suggest that self-transcendence may represent a distinguishing personality characteristic in individuals with BD during remission. Although no causal interpretations can be made, the pattern of results indicates a potential association between self-transcendence and temporal-cognitive processes. Further research is needed to clarify the nature and clinical relevance of this relationship.