Cause and Effect of Procrastination Among College Students

Introduction

Procrastination is an activity that most college students have gone through throughout their high school career. The meaning of procrastination is, as stated by Ferrari et al., 'derived from Latin verbs. 'Pro' refers to forward motion, and 'crastinus' refers to belonging to tomorrow' (qtd. in Abbasi and Alghamdi 59). Many students have the habit of procrastinating because they are tired and want to rest, so they postpone the tasks they need to do. It is essential to realize that procrastinating is a waste of time because it often leads to undesirable outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the cause and effect of procrastination which will be discussed in this essay.

Causes of Procrastination 

Perfectionism and fear of failure are common causes of procrastination among students. Some students believe they must be perfect and excel at everything they do. For instance, many college students think they are the best and cannot afford to fail. When tasks are assigned to them, they often postpone them for a certain period because they fear failure. According to Flett (1992), 'prescribed perfectionism' should also be blamed for causing procrastination. Students with a fixed mindset or egotistical attitudes towards their tasks tend to develop perfectionism, which contributes to their tendency to procrastinate. They delay completing assignments, thinking they know it all and can do the work brilliantly. However, this attitude leads to missed deadlines and poor performance.

Multiple distractions also contribute to students' procrastination. Environmental factors such as smartphones, the internet, and entertainment can easily divert students' attention from their tasks. Additionally, colleagues at school can be a source of distraction, preventing students from paying attention in class. Students who are easily distracted often experience poor performance and engage in unhealthy behavior. For example, being engrossed in entertainment instead of focusing on education can lead to failing grades and falling behind in studies and career, which can ultimately result in health problems.

Choice-induced procrastination occurs when students are indecisive about what to do. They find it challenging to make decisions and may be unsure of the outcomes of the tasks assigned to them. Students who are uncertain about the results may avoid making decisions altogether, leaving tasks unattended. Peer influence can also contribute to this type of procrastination, as students may discourage each other from studying or pursuing their goals. Moreover, students may put their plans on hold because they are unsure of which decision to make. For instance, a student with a rash or fever may postpone a visit to the doctor, hoping that the symptoms will go away on their own.

Effects of Procrastination

Procrastination can have significant negative effects on various aspects of a student's life, including academic performance, mental well-being, and personal growth. Understanding these effects is crucial in motivating students to overcome their procrastination habits.

One of the most evident consequences of procrastination is a decline in academic performance. When students continually delay their tasks, they are more likely to experience increased stress levels as deadlines approach. This heightened stress can negatively impact their ability to concentrate, comprehend information, and produce quality work. As a result, their grades may suffer, leading to feelings of disappointment, frustration, and a diminished sense of self-worth. Additionally, procrastination often leads to rushed and incomplete work, preventing students from reaching their full potential and acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge.

Procrastination also takes a toll on students' mental well-being. Constantly putting off tasks creates a cycle of guilt, anxiety, and self-criticism. The awareness of unfinished assignments or unmet deadlines can lead to feelings of overwhelm and helplessness, causing students to experience high levels of stress and a constant sense of being overwhelmed. This chronic stress can contribute to the development of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Moreover, procrastination can lead to a loss of motivation and a lack of satisfaction with one's achievements, further exacerbating negative emotions and affecting overall happiness and fulfillment.

Furthermore, procrastination hinders personal growth and development. By consistently delaying tasks and avoiding challenges, students miss out on opportunities for learning, improvement, and self-discovery. Procrastination reinforces a pattern of relying on short-term gratification rather than investing time and effort in long-term goals. It limits students' ability to develop essential skills such as time management, organization, discipline, and perseverance, which are crucial for success in academic and professional settings. Procrastination can also strain relationships, as missed deadlines and unfulfilled commitments can lead to disappointment and mistrust from peers, professors, and employers.

Conclusion

Procrastination is rooted in various causes, including numerous distractions in school, perfectionism, and uncertainty. Each of these causes leads to negative results in students' careers, studies, and personal lives. The effects of procrastination are far-reaching and detrimental to a student's academic performance, mental well-being, and personal growth. Overcoming procrastination requires self-awareness, discipline, and effective strategies for time management and goal setting. Therefore, it is crucial for students to address procrastination as soon as they identify it in their behavior. By recognizing the causes and taking proactive measures to overcome procrastination, students can improve their productivity, achieve better outcomes, and lead more balanced lives.