Do Procrastination Tendencies Change During Young Adulthood? Examining the Development, Predictors, and Outcomes of Procrastination (Poster 32)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Ten
  In Poster Session: Studying and Self-Regulated Learning SIG Poster Session

Abstract

Procrastination—a voluntary delay of an intended action despite negative consequences—is a widespread phenomenon. Previous research has mainly focused on procrastination in specific situations and has not examined the extent to which procrastination is an enduring characteristic over time. We therefore examined procrastination, its predictors and life outcomes over 18 years from graduation year onwards in a large sample of young adults (N = 3023). We found that procrastination decreased with age and most clearly in the transition from university to work. We also found that it predicted consequential life outcomes 16 years later. This first long-term longitudinal examination of procrastination shows developmental continuity and change over time and reveals that it has serious consequences for important life achievements.

Authors

• Lisa Baeulke, University of Tübingen
  Non-Presenting Author

• Ulrich Trautwein, University of Tübingen
  Non-Presenting Author

• Benjamin Nagengast, University of Tübingen
  Non-Presenting Author

• Brent W. Roberts, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  Presenting Author