Procrastination Among University Students: A Study Investigating Sociodemographic and Psychological Factors

Abstract

Procrastination is a widespread problem that is very common among university populations and is associated to negative consequences. The aim of this study is to analyze procrastination in university students and its relationship with sociodemographic and psychological variables. A multicenter study involving 845 university students was conducted, with participants completing several questionnaires, including the Procrastination Assessment Scale-Student (PASS), Academic Time Management (ATM), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), and Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10). The study subsequently examined procrastination patterns among these students, distinguishing between low and high procrastination profiles, and explored demographic and psychological variations using ANOVA, Chi-square analysis, and logistic regression. Results showed that forty-seven percent of students procrastinate, and males procrastinate more than female students (p=.018). Procrastination was related to psychological variables (more anxiety, depression, somatization), personality variables (less conscientiousness and agreeableness), and time management (organization, follow-up, and assignment completion). More responsible students who better plan their time and track their progress procrastinate less. It would be necessary to provide interventions for university students at risk of suffering negative consequences from procrastination.