Procrastination or Self-Regulated Delay? Examining the Relationship Between Procrastination and Flow

• In Event: Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: Motivation in Education SIG: Poster Session 1 of 2

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among procrastination, flow, and achievement goal orientations. While some research has suggested that procrastination may increase the likelihood of flow because it increases the challenge of the task and requires concentrated effort to complete, other research suggests that procrastination is associated with decreased motivation and flow. Two hundred and twenty-four undergraduate volunteers completed questionnaires on procrastination, flow, self-regulation, achievement goal orientations, and perceived instrumentality. Results from structural equation modeling revealed that students’ achievement goal orientations and perceived instrumentality influenced the type of delay behavior—active procrastination or passive procrastination. Moreover, a negative relationship was found between procrastination and flow, yet a positive relationship was found between active procrastination and flow.

Authors

• Chad C. Mortensen, University of Oklahoma

• Raymond B. Miller, University of Oklahoma