Academic Procrastination

References to procrastination have been dated back to as long as 3,000 years ago. However, research on procrastination is ironically enormously behind the curve in active research on its effects. Academic procrastination occurs when students needlessly delay completing projects, activities or assignments and has been linked to lower academic grades, poorer well-being, and more stress. Academic procrastination is a vital predictor of success in college and the development of a scale upon which to measure it could be quite profitable to colleges and universities. Using 681 college students, the current study examined the new Academic Procrastination Scale (APS) and its ability to predict academic success above and beyond other psychological scales and even the widely-used Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The APS could even add significant validity to collegiate selection procedures. Based on results from the current study, the APS could be used as a valid, reliable, and instrumental tool within the educational community.