The overlapping brain region accounting for the relationship between procrastination and impulsivity: A voxel-based...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Procrastination is a widespread behavior with negative impacts on health, wealth, and well-being.
• Impulsivity is strongly correlated with procrastination, but the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the common neural substrates underlying procrastination and impulsivity.
• To explore the neurobiological basis for the strong behavioral relationship between procrastination and impulsivity.

Main Methods:

• Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was employed to analyze brain structure.
• Two independent samples of participants (N=85 and N=84) were utilized.
• Mediation analysis was performed to examine the role of gray matter volume.

Main Results:

• A significant behavioral correlation between procrastination and impulsivity was confirmed.
• Shared neurobiological underpinnings were identified in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).
• Impulsivity mediated the effect of DLPFC gray matter volume on procrastination.

Conclusions:

• The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) plays a crucial role in the relationship between impulsivity and procrastination.
• This study provides novel neurobiological insights into the impulsivity-procrastination link.
• Findings advance our understanding of the neural basis of procrastination.