Pilot study of a Web-based acceptance and commitment therapy intervention for university students to reduce academic procrastination

J Am Coll Health. 2019 May-Jun;67(4):374-382. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2018.1484361. Epub 2018 Sep 21.

Abstract

Objective: This pilot study pursued two aims. The first was to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a Web-based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention to reduce academic procrastination among university students. The second aim was to test the effectiveness of the intervention on procrastination and committed actions. Participants: The sample was comprised of Canadian university students (n = 36) that participated in the intervention between September 2016 and April 2017. Methods: The study relied on a prepost research design. Results: The intervention appears feasible, acceptable, and valuable to students. A significant reduction in procrastination and a significant improvement in committed actions were found between pre and postintervention. The effect sizes for these results were medium. Conclusions: Results provide preliminary support for the feasibility and effectiveness of a Web-based ACT intervention for academic procrastination. Results also highlight some aspects that need to be improved for further development.

Keywords: Academic procrastination; Web-based intervention; acceptance and commitment therapy; committed action; prevention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy / methods*
  • Achievement*
  • Canada
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Male
  • Motivation
  • Pilot Projects
  • Procrastination*
  • Students / psychology*
  • Universities