PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

In this study, we explored whether there are different types of academic delayers (i.e., types of students who delay academic tasks). Latent profile analysis based on 554 university students' reasons for academic delay revealed four distinct types: inconspicuous, successful pressure-seeking, worried/anxious, and discontent with studies. The types were validated with respect to variables associated with dilatory behavior (e.g., academic procrastination and academic performance). The inconspicuous and successful pressure-seeking types showed low academic procrastination and were not negatively affected by academic delay, whereas the worried/anxious and discontent with studies types showed high academic procrastination and were under psychological pressure. Thus, two types appeared to be purposeful delayers and two types appeared to be academic procrastinators. The deficiencies in self-regulation skills observed in the worried/anxious and discontent with studies types underpin the notion of academic procrastination as a failure in self-regulation. Interventions designed to overcome academic procrastination should address these skills and should be tailored to the type-specific reasons. (c) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.