A procrastination solution for students

Abstract

Procrastination can be a serious problem among students and can cause stress and anxiety. As such, it is important to investigate the mechanisms of habit formation so that we can find ways to help people develop good health habits. In this study, we are focused on progressive muscle relaxation as it has many benefits. A commonly recommended strategy to overcome procrastination is the “Just Get Started” tactic, the idea being to set and complete a very small goal, which many people find makes it easier to then carry on with the rest of the task. However, the efficacy of the “Just Get Started” tactic has not yet been scientifically validated. The present study will first assess traits of self-control, conscientiousness, self-promises and procrastination. Next, we will test the commonly recommended notion that initially setting a very small goal for the behaviour of progressive muscle relaxation, e.g., tensing and relaxing one hand, whenever one is tempted not to do progressive muscle relaxation, will help students use progressive muscle relaxation more consistently. We hypothesize that students who use this tactic will initiate progressive muscle relaxation more often and will form a stronger habit of it.

Faculty Mentors: Dr. Rodney Schmaltz & Dr. Russ Powell