Academic Procrastination as a Predictor of Academic Performance and Overall Mental Health in College Students

Abstract

Academic procrastination is a prevalent challenge among college students, often adversely affecting both their academic performance and overall mental health, including psychological, emotional, and social well-being. The present study investigates the relationships between academic procrastination, academic achievement, and mental health, along with its core dimensions, among Indian college students. A total of 150 students from colleges in the Varanasi and Prayagraj districts in Indian participated in the study, recruited through purposive sampling. Standardized instruments were employed for data collection: The Academic Procrastination Scale (McCloskey, 2011), the Academic Performance Scale (Birchmeier et al., 2015), and the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (Keyes, 2002). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and simple linear regression. The results indicated a significant negative relationship between academic procrastination, academic performance, and mental health, including its psychological, emotional, and social dimensions. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in academic settings to mitigate procrastination and promote both academic success and student well-being.