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PSYC FPX 3770 Assessment 1 Procrastination

Student Name

Capella University

PSYC FPX 3770 Psychology of Human Motivation and Performance

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Date

Procrastination

Procrastination is a pervasive issue that has been evident since the dawn of humanity. Although there is no single, definitive explanation for procrastination, it is often described as “voluntarily postponing an intended course of action despite expecting to be worse off for this delay” (Rozental). The term “voluntarily” is complex in this context, as many individuals significantly impacted by procrastination do not perceive it as a voluntary act. In many instances, the feeling of procrastination becomes overwhelming and all-consuming. Despite an understanding of the negative outcomes, people still succumb to this detrimental phenomenon. I am someone who frequently falls victim to procrastination. But why does this happen? With no apparent benefits, why has everyone experienced it at least once? Science has explored this through psychoanalysis, cognitive behaviorism, and neuropsychology (Klingsieck).

The effects of procrastination, particularly on general well-being and mental health, are also under scrutiny. However, procrastination is not an inescapable fate; there are strategies to combat it. Although no single method can permanently eliminate procrastination, various approaches can help alleviate it sufficiently to allow continued productivity. Some of these strategies involve realigning personal goals and understanding the self-determination theory. Before addressing procrastination, it is essential to recognize why it is a significant problem. The issue goes beyond merely avoiding tasks; it encompasses the broader repercussions on an individual’s well-being, including both psychological and physical effects.

To explore the effects of procrastination, a study conducted across several universities in Sweden involved 732 students who were categorized into two groups: severe and less severe cases of procrastination. The data revealed that procrastination is associated with physical issues, such as stress and anxiety, manifesting as tension, pain, and disrupted sleep, as well as psychological issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, self-criticism, remorse, and low self-esteem (Rozental). The study found that procrastination could lead to actual physical pain and severe psychological distress. Unfortunately, these are not the most severe effects. In a related study, further analysis indicated that 46% of the students experienced mild anxiety and depression due to procrastination (Rozental). Research suggests that procrastination can lead to depression, a serious mental disorder that has claimed countless lives and continues to harm many more.

PSYC FPX 3770 Assessment 1 Procrastination

Procrastination is not merely a sign of laziness or a tendency among college students to avoid work; it can be debilitating. Those affected are often aware that they should be productive but feel incapable of taking action. Eliminating the stigma surrounding procrastination can help individuals better understand their circumstances and find ways to escape the negative cycle it creates. By understanding procrastination, we can learn how to avoid its grasp and how to recover and thrive despite it. One effective strategy to overcome procrastination is to refocus on personal goals and desires. This approach ties into motivational theory, which posits that “motivation is closely related to the notion of energy…and relates to the notions of instincts and drives” (Campbell). Students often encounter unexpected difficulties in classes, leading to a rapid loss of motivation and the onset of procrastination. An article on motivational theory notes that students “encounter situations in which a course or exam turns out to be more difficult than expected, and in which they struggle to meet their academic goals” (von Keyserlingk). This loss of motivation can trigger a cycle of procrastination.

In addition to motivational theory, the self-determination theory (SDT) plays a significant role in understanding procrastination. SDT posits that motivation is formed based on satisfying three basic psychological needs: autonomy (a sense of choice in a task), competence (mastery over a task), and relatedness (social connections and concern for others) (Hsu). Clearly defined personal goals and desires, which align with the autonomy aspect of SDT, can encourage individuals to pursue their development and avoid procrastination. Procrastination is a complex issue that lulls people into a false sense of calm by delaying tasks until the stress of completing them becomes overwhelming. However, with the right strategies and mindset, it can be overcome. Setting clear and precise goals is an excellent starting point, and understanding motivational theory and SDT can further support this journey. While defeating procrastination is challenging, it is not impossible.

References

Klingsieck, K. B. (2013). Procrastination: When good things don’t come to those who wait. European Psychologist, 18(1), 24–34. https://doi-org.library.capella.edu/10.1027/1016-9040/a000138f

Hsu, Y., & Chi, Y. (2022). Academic major satisfaction and regret of students in different majors: Perspectives from Self Determination Theory. Psychology in the Schools, 59(11), 2287–2299. https://doi-org.library.capella.edu/10.1002/pits.22563

Campbell, R. L., Kohlberg, L., Ryan, R. M., Bronfenbrenner, U., Chirkov, V. I., Churchland, P. M., Charms, R. D., Deci, E. L., Eisenberg, N., Ellemers, N., Freud, S., Gibbs, J. C., & Habermas, J. (2017, June 9). Autonomy and morality: A self-determination theory discussion of ethics. New Ideas in Psychologyhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0732118X17301113?via%3Dihub

von Keyserlingk, L., Rubach, C., Lee, H. R., Eccles, J. S., & Heckhausen, J. (2022). College Students’ motivational beliefs and use of goal-oriented control strategies: Integrating two theories of motivated behavior. Motivation and Emotion, 46(5), 601-620. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031- 022-09957-y

PSYC FPX 3770 Assessment 1 Procrastination

Rozental A, Forsström D, Hussoon A, Klingsieck KB. (2022). Procrastination Among University Students: Differentiating Severe Cases in Need of Support From Less Severe Cases. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 783570. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.783570. PMID: 35369255; PMCID: PMC8965624

 


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