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This web site provides access
to information and research related to procrastination. Although our
site originates at Carleton University (Ottawa, Canada), it
represents a compilation of information and research on procrastination
from all over the world.
Are you visiting our website for the first time? Here are some suggestions:
- BLOG - If you want to understand your own procrastination, visit my Don't Delay blog on Psychology Today - a very good source of concise summaries of the latest research along with helpful tips and strategies for change.
- PODCASTS - Ranked in the top 15 on iTunes for Self-Help. Updated regularly at iProcrastinate Podcasts
- BOOK - The Procrastinator's Digest: A Concise Guide to Solving the Procrastination Puzzle procrastinatorsdigest.com to learn about Dr. Pychyl's new book! Recent reader comment What are readers saying?
- RESEARCH - If you want to know about research in the area, you'll find
lots of information on this site including a bibliography (see
"Research Resources" in the menu above). More recent research is
highlighted below the cartoon. You may choose to participate in research as well.
- COMICS - If you want to smile, check out the Carpe Diem comics Some of the most recent are below, and the archive can be
found at the link to
the right. The latest comic is here.
- Fun YouTube video created by some of my first-year students (2010-2011).
- PDF copy of my presentation slides for recent talks in Ottawa.
- ABOUT DR. PYCHYL - You can learn more about my work here.
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Recent Research
& Publications
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Sirois, F. &
Pychyl, T.A. (2013). Procrastination and the priority of short-term
mood regulation: Consequences for future self. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 7, 115-127. DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12011
Abstract
Procrastination is a common and pervasive problem associated with a
range of negative outcomes across a variety of life domains that often
occurs when people are faced with tasks that are seen as aversive. In
this paper, we argue that as a form of self-regulation failure,
procrastination has a great deal to do with short-term mood repair and
emotion regulation. Moreover, we contend that a temporal understanding
of self and the mood-regulating processes involved in goal pursuit is
particularly important in understanding procrastination, because the
consequences of procrastination are typically borne by the future self.
After summarizing the research on the priority of short-term mood
regulation in procrastination, we then draw the connection between the
focus on short-term mood repair and the temporal disjunction between
present and future selves. We present research that exemplifies these
intra-personal processes in understanding temporal notions of self
characterized by procrastination, and then link these processes to the
negative consequences of procrastination for health and well-being. We
conclude with a discussion of possible avenues for future research to
provide further insights into how temporal views of the self are linked
to the dynamics of mood regulation over time in the context of
procrastination.
Pychyl, T.A., Rooen, A., & Haghbin, M. (2013, September 19-21). The
relation of maladaptive automatic thoughts to procrastination,
socially-prescribed perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Annual Conference for the Institute for Challenging Disorganization, Denver, Colorado.
Rahimi, S., Hall, N. C., Pychyl, T., A., & Sverdlik, A. (2013, June). Blameworthiness and Moral Responsibility in Students that Procrastinate versus Delay. Poster to be presented at the Canadian Psychological Association, Quebec City, QC.
Rahimi, S., Hall, N. C., & Pychyl, T.A. (2013, April). Attributions of Moral Responsibility and Blameworthiness in Relation to Procrastination versus Delay. Poster presented at the annual conference of the American Educational Research Association, San Francisco, CA.
Pychyl, T.A., & Flett, G.L. (2012). Procrastination and self-regulatory failure: An introduction to the special issue. Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy. DOI: 10.1007/s10942-012-0149-5
Abstract
In preface to the
papers in this special issue on the role of procrastination in
maladjustment, we provide an overview of the topics covered. To
our knowledge, this is the first special issue that focuses
specifically on the role of this form of self-regulatory failure in
understanding maladjustment. We begin with a discussion of the complex
array of motivational, affective, cognitive, and behavioural factors
that operate in chronic procrastination. These complexities are
illustrated with case studies that highlight the role of negative
self-views and associated deficits in self-regulation. Themes
explored in the papers include the role of cognitive factors in
dysfunctional beliefs and automatic thoughts in procrastination, as
well as the role of procrastination and deficits in self-regulation
related to stress, psychological distress, and physical illness.
Another key theme addressed is the usefulness of REBT and cognitive
techniques such as mindfulness training in reducing the tendency to
procrastinate.
For a brief introduction to the effects of perfectionism, see these tips by Gord Flett (Canada Research Chair, York University).
Haghbin,
M., McCaffrey, A., & Pychyl, T.A. (2012). The complexity of the
relation between fear of failure and procrastination. Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy.
DOI: 10.1007/s10942-012-0153-9
Abstract
This study investigated the indirect and
conditional relation between fear of failure and procrastination based
on constructs from self-determination theory. Using structural equation
modeling to analyze data from 300 university students, we found that
the relation between fear of failure and procrastination was moderated
by perceived competence. The relation was positively significant for
students with low levels of competence and negatively significant for
those with high level of competence. However, in the latter group, fear
of failure negatively affected satisfaction of the need for autonomy,
which in turn increased the likelihood of problematic delay on academic
and everyday-life tasks. The results are discussed in relation to the
complex interplay of motivational variables related to self-regulatory
failure.
Sirois, F. & Pychyl, T.A. (September 7, 2012). Procrastination and perceptions of time: Implications for theory and practice. Symposium organized for the 1st International Conference on Time Perspecitve, Coimbra, Portugal.
Abstract
As a temporally extended activity, procrastination is a
troubling and prevalent problem that involves failure to act on
previously made intentions. This symposium brings together different
perspectives on how time perspective can enhance our understanding of
the causes and consequences of procrastination that may provide clues
as to how to manage this form of temporal self-regulation failure.
Across four papers we examine the ways in which different perceptions
of time are linked to procrastination across different settings. The
first paper examines how future time perspective may explain the
depressive symptoms associated with procrastination using structural
equation modelling to assess its potential mediating role. The second
paper addresses the issue of why procrastinators are less concerned
about the future consequences of their behaviour by examining the links
between procrastination and a particular type of future time
perspective, the consideration of future consequences, in a
meta-analysis, and assesses the potential explanatory role of perceived
behavioural control. The different pacing styles that people use to
allocate their temporal resources when faced with a deadline are
reviewed in the third paper, which suggests that procrastination is
just one of several ways that people may deal with deadlines. In the
final paper, shifting the procrastinator’s perspective from a limitless
future to a more restricted present is evaluated in a short
cognitive-behavioral group intervention to deal with severe
procrastination in an academic setting. Timothy Pychyl (discussant)
discusses the implications of the studies in the context of theory and
research on procrastination and time perspective.
Below are the papers presented as part of the symposium
Procrastination, depression, and Future Time Perspective
Fred Rist, Angelika Glöckner-Rist, Anna Höcker & Margarita Engberding
Institute of Clinical Psychology (Muenster) & GESIS (Mannheim)
Procrastination and the consideration of future consequences: Exploring the role of self- control
Fuschia Sirois, Bishops University, Quebec
A review of the Pacing Style Instrument
Wendelien van Eerde & Josette Gevers
Human Performance Management Group, Eindhoven University of Technology
Focused clinical treatment of procrastination by means of working time-restriction
Margarita Engberding, Anna Höcker, Ruth Haferkamp, Karoline Krumm, & Fred Rist
Institute of Clinical Psychology (Muenster) & GESIS (Mannheim)
Ferrari, J.R., & Pychyl, T.A. (2012).
“If I wait, my partner will do it:” The role of conscientiousness as a
mediator in the relation of academic procrastination and perceived
social loafing. North American Journal of Psychology, 14 (1), 13-24.
Abstract
The relations of academic procrastination with perceived social loafing
and conscientiousness among undergraduate study-group partners were
examined. Using 70 dyads (140 students: 87 women, 53 men), we found
that when conscientiousness scores were controlled statistically from
self-report data, partial correlates indicated that academic
procrastination was not significantly related to perceived social
loafing. Results suggested that conscientiousness may be an underlying
source trait for both procrastination and social loafing. This is of
interest in terms of personality theory as well as the psychological
processes that these measures may reflect, particularly how duty and
self-discipline may affect the intention-action gap that undermines
everyday voluntary action.
Pychyl, T.A. (July, 2011). Agency, responsibility and autonomy: An existential perspective on procrastination as self-regulation failure.
Paper to be presented at the 7th Biennial conference on Counseling the
Procrastinator in the Academic Context, Amersterdam.
Heward, E., & Pychyl, T.A. (June 4, 2011). Trait
emotional intelligence and its relations to general, academic, and
Internet procrastination: The Importance of Self-Control in
Understanding Self-Regulatory Failure. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Canadian Psychological Association, Toronto.
Abstract
Procrastination is noted primarily as a failure to regulate behaviour.
Chronic procrastinators show difficulty in exerting self-control and
give into impulsive behaviours instead of initiating or maintaining
work on assigned tasks. Self-control can also be undermined by the
prioritization of repairing negative moods over long-term goal pursuit.
As such, emotional competencies, such as emotional intelligence (EI)
would potentially prove beneficial in understanding and preventing the
short-term prioritization of mood repair. The purpose of this study was
to examine the relations between the components of a measure Trait EI
and measures of procrastination. A sample of 125 undergraduate students
(104 females) completed a series of questionnaires online to measure EI
as well as general, academic and Internet procrastination. Regression
analysis showed that only the self-control component of EI was a
significant predictor of a combined measure of procrastination, however
there were significant negative relations between the EI components of
well-being, emotionality, and sociability with academic and Internet
procrastination. The results are discussed in relation to understanding
the central role of self-control in reducing procrastination and how
effective emotion regulation is necessary to prevent the prioritization
of mood repair over long-term goal pursuit.
The comic below captures these results (see
more at Carpe Diem)
Wohl, M.J.A., Pychyl, T.A., & Bennet, S.H. (2010). I forgive myself, now I can study: How self-forgiveness for procrastinating can reduce future procrastination. Personality and Individual Differences, 48, 803-808. (Even O-Magazine liked this one)
Abstract
In the present study, we examined the association between forgiving the self for a specific instance of
procrastination and procrastination on that same task in the future. A sample of 119 first-year University
students (49 male, 70 female) completed measures of procrastination and self-forgiveness immediately
before each of two midterm examinations in their introductory psychology course. Results revealed that
among students who reported high levels of self-forgiveness for procrastinating on studying for the first
examination, procrastination on preparing for the subsequent examination was reduced. This relation-
ship was mediated by negative affect, such that increased self-forgiveness reduced procrastination by
decreasing negative affect. Results are discussed in relation to the impact of procrastination on self-directed negative affect.
Pychyl, T.A. (2009). Savouring the Flavours of Delay. English Studies in Canada. 34(2-3), 25-29.
Simpson, W.K., & Pychyl, T.A. (2009). In search of the arousal procrastinator: An
investigation of the relation between procrastination, arousal-based
personality traits and beliefs about procrastination motivations Personality and Individual Differences, 47, 906-911.
The comic below captures these results (see
more at Carpe Diem)
Dann, M., & Pychyl, T.A. (August 4, 2009). Approach and avoidance personal goals: Goal appraisal profiles, congruence with personality and procrastination. Paper presented at the 6th biennial conference on Counseling the Procrastinator in Academic Settings, Toronto, Ontario.
Sirois, F., Voth, J., & Pychyl, T.A. (August 4, 2009). "I'll
look after my health later": A prospective study of the linkages of
procrastination to health and well-being in undergraduate students. Paper presented at the 6th biennial conference on Counseling the Procrastinator in Academic Settings, Toronto, Ontario.
Haghbin, M., McCaffrey, A., & Pychyl, T.A. (August 5, 2009). Structural Equation Modelling of the relation between fear of failure and procrastination. Paper presented at the 6th biennial conference on Counseling the Procrastinator in Academic Settings, Toronto, Ontario.
Shannahan, M.J., &
Pychyl, T.A. (2007). An ego identity perspective on
volitional action: Identity status, agency, and procrastination. Personality and Individual
Differences, 43, 901-911.
Speaking of identity and procrastination . . . Carpe Diem captures it! 
Research
Books & Special Issues
Journal of Rational -Emotive and Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Special Issue - Fall 2012: Procrastination and Self-Regulatory Failure
Edited by Timothy A. Pychyl (Carleton University) & Gordon L. Flett (York University)
About this Special Issue . . .
In preface to the
papers in this special issue on the role of procrastination in
maladjustment, we provide an overview of the topics covered. To
our knowledge, this is the first special issue that focuses
specifically on the role of this form of self-regulatory failure in
understanding maladjustment. We begin with a discussion of the complex
array of motivational, affective, cognitive, and behavioural factors
that operate in chronic procrastination. These complexities are
illustrated with case studies that highlight the role of negative
self-views and associated deficits in self-regulation. Themes
explored in the papers include the role of cognitive factors in
dysfunctional beliefs and automatic thoughts in procrastination, as
well as the role of procrastination and deficits in self-regulation
related to stress, psychological distress, and physical illness.
Another key theme addressed is the usefulness of REBT and cognitive
techniques such as mindfulness training in reducing the tendency to
procrastinate.
Counseling the procrastinator in academic
settings
Edited by H.C. Schouwenburg, C. Lay, T. Pychyl, & J.R. Ferrari
American Psychological Association: Washington, DC. (2004)
Abstract
Procrastination, as a sporadic or chronic response to task engagement,
is a pervasive problem for a large number of individuals in many
societies. For example, researchers have estimated that in academic
settings in North America, over 70% of students exhibit this behavior.
Many of these individuals are highly vulnerable to negative
consequences such as poor performance, decreased subjective well-being,
negative affect, and reduced life achievements.
In Counseling the Procrastinator in Academic Settings,
a number of recently designed practical counseling methods for use in
academic settings are described with the aim of promoting new
intervention that can lead to change. In doing so, the authors also
present theories of procrastination and provide an overview of recent
research. School counselors, psychologists, educators, and
administrators will find this book invaluable as they look for ways to
counsel others on procrastination, work habits, productivity, and
self-regulation.
Special Issue (2000) - Procrastination:
Current Issues and New Directions
Journal
of Social Behaviour & Personality
(Vol. 15,
No. 5 - - Joseph R. Ferrari & Timothy A. Pychyl, Editors)
About this Special Issue . . .
This volume contains 23
articles
about both situational and dispositional forms of procrastination. The
first section examines Situational Procrastination, particularly
academic procrastination. The articles in this section look at
personality and individual difference variables, such as self-esteem,
perfectionism, and neuroticism; gender comparisons; and different
student populations. Other studies on academic procrastination focus on
motivational factors, goals, and planning skills. The second section of
the issue explores Dispositional Procrastination. Empirical articles
cover emotional states associated with procrastination, cognitions and
perceptions related to task delays, motivational and attentional
aspects of procrastination, and self-deception and optimism aspects of
chronic procrastination.
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What's new and
in the news . . .
Dr. Pychyl honoured with Faculty Graduate Mentoring Award
Psychology
Today Blog
- "Don't Delay"
Professor links putting off work to fear of failure
The Toronto Star
By Trish Crawford
Earnings and yearnings: The freelance Personality
Psychology Today
By Amy Rosenberg
A paralyzing fear of
filing taxes
The New York Times
By Charles Delafuente
Work Psychology:
Stop deluding yourself
The Globe and Mail
By Craig Silverman
The popular practice of putting stuff off
The New York Times
By Alina Tugend
Setting New Year's resolutions that work
healthzone.ca
By Monique Savin
Procrastination: Ten things you should know
Psychology Today
By Hara Estroof Marano
Six Steps to help you beat procrastination
and
Getting things done
Ottawa
Citizen
by Donna Jacobs
How to put work off - Constructively
by Cari Tuna
The Wall Street Journal
(for more on this see the NPR interview below)
Interview and call-in with Dr. Tim Pychyl
& Dr. John Perry (Stanford)
NPR blog
Stop Procrastinating - Right now!
GoodHousekeeping
Melissa Kirsch
Procrastination a Personality Trait
Ottawa Citizen
Jennifer Campbell
Procrastination: The thief of time
By Heather Pringle
NewScientist
Story and Podcast about
procrastination in the workplace
The ToDo Institute on
procrastination
Getting out from under - How to stop
procrastinating now
By Hara Estroof Marano
Psychology Today
Procrastination 101
The science of putting it off
by Jessica Winter
The Village Voice
Click
the stop sign to learn more about dealing with procrastination
Is the to-do list doing you in?
By Kathleen McGowan
Psychology Today
Procrastination Nation
National Public Radio
Archived broadcast (RealPlayer or Windows Media Player
required)
For
a smile
Fresh Prince of Procrastination
The Procrastination Flow Chart
Procrastination
is . . .
Gotta get my stuff done
the show with zefrank
(Click on the media type you
prefer to use)
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