Psychological Reactance and Brief Treatment of Academic Procrastination

• Published in: Journal of college student psychotherapy Vol. 9; no. 1; pp. 41 - 56
• Main Authors: Mulry, Gregg, Fleming, Raymond, Gottschalk, Ann C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 26.08.1994
• Subjects: Brief therapy; Procrastination; Psychological reactance; Students; Universities; USA
• ISSN: 8756-8225; 1540-4730
• DOI: 10.1300/J035v09n01_04

This study explored the effects of psychological reactance on two methods of treatment for academic procrastination. Undergraduate procrastinators (N = 84), pretested for dispositional reactance, underwent two sessions of either paradoxical or self-control treatment. Situational reactance level was manipulated before each session, in a manner either related or unrelated to treatment. Change in procrastination, operationalized as change in effective study time, was examined using a 2 (paradoxical vs. self-control treatment) X 2 (high vs. low induced reactance) X 2 (relevant vs. non-relevant reactance manipulation) design. Results indicated that procrastination diminished with both treatments, but only for participants with low situational reactance. Treatment outcome was not affected trait reactance or by relevance of induced reactance to treatment. Practical implications for treatment of academic procrastination and directions for future research are discussed.