An analysis of the contribution of the five factors of personality to variance in academic procrastination

The construct of procrastination has been investigated in terms of task approach and performance or through the perspective of personality and individual differences. Recent articles have addressed the role of the three-factor theory of personality in procrastination. However, little information is known regarding the five-factor model of personality and procrastination. The present investigation involves a comprehensive evaluation of this relationship. Undergraduate students (N = 202) completed the NEO-PI-R and Aitkenʹs Procrastination Inventory. Stepwise multiple regression revealed that Conscientiousness accounted for a significant portion of the unique variance of procrastination scores. The procrastination scores were inversely related to Conscientiousness and were also significantly correlated with Neuroticism. The factors of Extraversion, Openness to Experience, and Agreeableness were not significantly correlated with procrastination scores. Stepwise multiple regression of the Conscientiousness and Neuroticism factor facets indicated that lack of Self-Discipline and Impulsiveness accounted for most of the variance of procrastination scores. Implications for continued theoretical development and intervention are discussed.