Do self-reports of procrastination predict actual behavior?

Procrastination is typically assessed via self-report questionnaires. So far, only very few studies have examined actual procrastination behavior, providing inconclusive results regarding the real-life validity of self-reports in this domain. The present study aimed to examine for the first time whether participants' self-reported procrastination can predict their actual behavior on a real-life task.

For that purpose, we assessed self-reported levels of procrastination [via the Pure Procrastination Scale, PPS] and actual procrastination behavior on a naturalistic task [i.e., having to send in an attendance sheet before a deadline] in 93 participants.

Results show that self-reports significantly predicted procrastination behavior. Analyses of underlying dimensions suggest that real-life procrastination can be the result of "voluntarily delaying planned actions," but can also have more passive causes such as "running out of time."

Comparing our results with the available literature suggests that PPS self-reports reflect a particularly valid tool to assess real-life procrastination behavior. Findings are discussed in the context of strategies and mechanisms that potential interventions may target in order to reduce procrastination.