Putting It off until Later: A Survey-Based Study on Academic Procrastination among Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Academic procrastination is a common issue among university students that can negatively impact their academic performance and well-being. This study investigated college students’ prevalence and underlying factors of academic procrastination. One hundred respondents completed questionnaires assessing their procrastination behaviour, time management skills, confidence in academic ability, motivation, fear of failure, distractions, and productivity. The results revealed that academic procrastination was a prevalent problem, with 52% of the respondents admitting to frequently procrastinating on academic work. The findings also indicated that many students lacked confidence in completing academic tasks well, were not motivated to do academic work, and had difficulty starting academic work. Poor time management skills, fear of failure, and distractions were identified as significant contributors to academic procrastination. Interestingly, many respondents preferred more manageable academic tasks before more challenging ones and worked better under pressure and close to deadlines, suggesting the possibility of structured procrastination. The results suggest that interventions to improve time management skills, increase confidence in academic ability, reduce distractions, and set realistic goals for academic tasks may help combat academic procrastination. The findings have implications for educators and students seeking to develop effective strategies to overcome academic procrastination and improve academic performance.