Effectiveness of a guided internet-based intervention for procrastination among university students - A randomized...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Digital Health
• Intervention Science

Background:

• Procrastination is prevalent in young adults, often leading to negative outcomes.
• Existing e-health interventions for procrastination lack robust evidence, particularly in student populations and compared to inactive controls.
• There is a need for high-quality trials evaluating guided internet-based interventions for student procrastination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the effectiveness of a guided internet-based intervention called GetStarted in reducing procrastination behaviors among college students.
• To compare the GetStarted intervention against a waitlist control group.
• To assess secondary outcomes including depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A two-armed randomized controlled trial with 176 college students from seven Dutch universities.
• Participants were randomized to either a four-week e-coach-guided GetStarted intervention or a waitlist control.
• Assessments were conducted at baseline, 4 weeks, and 6 months post-baseline, with intent-to-treat analysis.

Main Results:

• Primary outcome: change in procrastination behaviors measured by the Irrational Procrastination scale (IPS).
• Secondary outcomes: changes in depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life.
• Exploration of moderators such as sociodemographics, treatment satisfaction, usability, and adherence.

Conclusions:

• This trial aims to provide evidence for the effectiveness of the GetStarted guided internet-based intervention for college student procrastination.
• If effective, GetStarted could offer a flexible, low-intensity, and cost-effective treatment option.
• Successful intervention may help prevent common mental health issues among students.