Compulsive procrastination: some self-reported characteristics

Psychol Rep. 1991 Apr;68(2):455-8. doi: 10.2466/pr0.1991.68.2.455.

Abstract

In Sample 1, 46 procrastinators compared with 52 nonprocrastinators claimed lower self-esteem, greater public self-consciousness and social anxiety, and a stronger tendency toward self-handicapping. In Sample 2, 48 procrastinators compared with 54 nonprocrastinators reported a weaker tendency toward seeking self-identity information but a stronger tendency toward a diffuse-identity style, yet there were no significant differences in verbal and abstract thinking abilities. Further research must provide evidence for persistent procrastination as a personality disorder that includes anxiety, avoidance, and a fear of evaluation of ability.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety / diagnosis
  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Compulsive Behavior / diagnosis
  • Compulsive Behavior / psychology*
  • Decision Making*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Motivation*
  • Personality Inventory
  • Time Perception*