Psychopathology of Procrastination: Causes, Types, and Coping Strategies
Psychopathology of Procrastination: Causes, Types, and Coping Strategies

Summary/Abstract: This study is a conceptual/thematic review that examines procrastination behavior within the framework of theoretical perspectives and contemporary literature, and analyzes its psychopathological foundations as well as coping strategies from a multidimensional perspective. Procrastination is defined as a complex self-regulation process in which individuals deliberately delay tasks that need to be completed, often in order to avoid negative emotions. It has been observed that this behavior comprises cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components, and is closely associated with psychological factors such as anxiety, low self-esteem, perfectionism, intolerance of uncertainty, and deficits in self-regulation. In addition, psychopathologies such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and depression are reported to both trigger and maintain this behavior. The cyclical nature of procrastination is addressed, emphasizing that initial motivation and determination may gradually transform into anxiety, guilt, and regret, leading to behavioral inhibition. Procrastination is classified into active and passive types, and the determining role of individual differences in this process is highlighted. Furthermore, procrastination is considered a multifaceted construct that cannot be explained solely by time management, but is also associated with self-protection, avoidance, and emotion regulation processes. In the context of coping with procrastination, the importance of developing awareness, behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring, time management, and emotion regulation skills is emphasized. Accordingly, intervention programs developed in this direction may contribute to individuals’ recognition of their motivational resources and the development of functional coping strategies.

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