Effectiveness of an internet-based intervention for procrastination in college students (StudiCare Procrastination): Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background Procrastination, defined as irrational and voluntary delaying of necessary tasks, is widespread and clinically relevant. Its high prevalence among college students comes with serious consequences for mental health and well-being of those affected. Research for proper treatment is still relatively scarce and treatment of choice seems to be cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of an internet- and mobile-based intervention (IMI) for procrastination based on CBT for college students. Methods A two-armed randomized controlled trial with a calculated sample size of N = 120 participants with problematic procrastination behavior will be conducted. Students will be recruited in Germany, Austria and Switzerland via circular emails at 15+ cooperating universities in the framework of StudiCare, a well-established project that provides IMIs to college students for different health related issues. The intervention group will receive the e-coach guided 5-week IMI StudiCare Procrastination. A waitlist-control group will get access to the unguided IMI 12 weeks after randomization. Assessments will take place before as well as 6 and 12 weeks after randomization. Primary outcome is procrastination, measured by the Irrational Procrastination Scale (IPS). Secondary outcomes include susceptibility to temptation, depression, anxiety, wellbeing and self-efficacy as well as acceptability aspects such as intervention satisfaction, adherence and potential side effects. Additionally, several potential moderators as well as the potential mediators self-efficacy and susceptibility to temptation will be examined exploratorily. Data-analysis will be performed on intention-to-treat basis. Discussion This study will contribute to the evidence concerning effectiveness and acceptability of an intervention for procrastination delivered via the internet. If it shows to be effective, StudiCare Procrastination could provide a low-threshold, cost-efficient way to help the multitude of students suffering from problems caused by procrastination. Trial registration : The trial is registered at the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform via the German Clinical Studies Trial Register (DRKS): DRKS00014321 (date of registration: 06.04.2018). In case of important protocol modifications, trial registration will be updated. Trial status : This is protocol version number 1, 11th December 2019. Recruitment started 9th of April 2018 and was completed 30th of November 2018. Assessment and intervention are still ongoing and will be completed by April 2019.

The Relationship between Physical Activity, Mobile Phone Addiction, and Irrational Procrastination in Chinese College Students

“…In the late 1970s, irrational procrastination was officially demarcated in the field of psychology, and procrastination behavior was considered an explicit manifestation of some mental health conditions [ 2 ]. Previous evidence has shown that serious procrastination can cause serious problems in people’s studies, work, and life, including strong feelings of remorse, guilt, and constant self-denial [ 3 ], and lead to increased pressure, depression, anxiety, and fatigue [ 4 ]. A British study has indicated that the more urban people procrastinate, the greater their health problems [ 5 ].…”

The Effect of Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on People's Anxiety and Depression During the 6 Months of Wuhan's Lockdown of COVID-19 Epidemic: A Pilot Study

“…Additionally, because all forms of CCBT use less therapeutic support than conventional psychotherapy, CCBT has been demonstrated as a cost-effective strategy (Eells et al, 2014 ; Andersson et al, 2015 ; Wright et al, 2019 ; Wright and Caudill, 2020 ). Because of its effectiveness, acceptability and feasibility, CCBT has been popular since its inception in the 1990s (Andersson et al, 2019 ) and its effectiveness for treating mild and moderate depression and anxiety has been proven by many studies since (Bowler et al, 2012 ; Carlbring et al, 2018 ; Kuechler et al, 2019 ; Wright et al, 2019 ; Christ et al, 2020 ). Thus, computerized cognitive behavioral therapy is the most suitable form of psychotherapy in isolation due to its convenience, non-contact, and effectiveness.…”

Study protocol of a randomised controlled trial on SISU, a software agent providing a brief self-help intervention for adults with low psychological well-being

“…StudiCare is a project that offers a broad assortment of internet-based interventions for psychological and behavioural issues. 71 Interested persons will get access to the screening (t0) at an online survey tool (unipark.com) via QR code, link or via email on request. Directly after the screening, eligible participants will automatically receive informed consent for signing via email.…”