Predictors of Indulgence in Procrastinating Behaviour: Demographic Variables and Self-Esteem

Abstract

The study investigated demographic variables and self-esteem as predictors of indulgence in procrastinating behaviour. It utilized a correlation survey design involving two hundred and forty two sampled male (114) and female (128) civil servants in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were collected from the sample using two scales. All the scales were re-validated. Seven hypotheses were tested. The results of simple regression analyses showed that both age and self-esteem independently predicted indulgence in procrastinating behaviour. Likewise, the results of t-test analysis revealed that marital status had significant influence on indulgence in procrastinating behaviour and that the single respondents indulged more in procrastination than married respondents. Further, the results of analysis of variance indicated that educational qualification had significant effect on indulgence in procrastinating behaviour. Multiple regression analysis results revealed that self-esteem, gender, age, marital status, educational qualification, and work experience jointly predicted indulgence in procrastinating behaviour and that only self-esteem and educational qualification independently predicted procrastination. The findings indicate that, self-esteem, and the listed demographic variables are significant predictors of indulgence in procrastinating behaviour among employees in this investigation. The study recommends that management and employers of labour should take cognizance of these predictors in their recruitment, training and development programs to enhance employees’ output and lessen indulgence in procrastinating behaviour.