Determinants of Academic Procrastination and Its Consequences on Academic Life

Abstract

The phenomenon of irrational and unnecessary postponing or delaying of work, a task, or an assignment is referred to as procrastination. It is a complex human behaviour rooted in various emotional and behavioural factors. To explain this complexity, this paper offers a detailed and comprehensive exploration of the meaning of procrastination, its inherent characteristics and various forms. Furthermore, it delves into the specific type of procrastination that is frequently observed among students, commonly known as academic procrastination. It identifies three broad determinants of academic procrastination: psychological and emotional determinants, behavioural and skill-related determinants, and task-related and motivational determinants. The paper also outlines the consequences of procrastination on students’ academic lives, which include mental and physical health challenges, continuous delay of tasks, loss of credibility, and hidden loss. Additionally, it proposes various strategies aimed at pacifying academic procrastination in students and highlights the pivotal role of educators in addressing and mitigating the adverse effects of academic procrastination.