Procrastination: Relations with Mood, Self-Efficacy, Perceived Control and Task Demands

Abstract

Procrastination is widely recognized as a motivational problem, but its nature is still not entirely understood, especially in the work domain. Procrastination in the execution of everyday work tasks could be motivated by both mood repair and predictor of poor mood. It could also be related to task characteristics, like averseness or demands. The aim of this study is to examine the relation between procrastination, levels of self-efficacy, perceived job demands and control, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. This study was conducted on a sample of 70 teaching assistants, the employees of a small university. The data was collected using Avoidance reactions to a deadline scale, DASS, Self-efficacy scale and Job demand-control scale. Correlation results indicated that self-efficacy and perceived job control were negatively, and job demand positively related to proneness to procrastination. Furthermore, individuals with more symptoms of anxiety and depression tended to procrastinate more. Perceived job control is the single relevant predictor of delaying job-related tasks and activities. The findings clearly suggest that job control deserves additional attention when it comes to the prediction of workplace procrastination. Keywords: procrastination, job control, job demands, self-efficacy, affect