Procrastination and predictor variables among a group of dental students in Turkey

• Published in: Psychology, health & medicine Vol. 23; no. 6; pp. 726 - 732
• Main Authors: Atalayin, Cigdem, Balkis, Murat, Tezel, Huseyin, Kayrak, Gul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis Ltd 01.07.2018
• Subjects: Academic achievement; Academic Performance - psychology; Adolescent; Adult; Dental schools; Dental students; Emotions; Female; Humans; Irrational beliefs; Life satisfaction; Male; Negative emotions; Personal Satisfaction; Positive emotions; Prevention; Procrastination; Self Concept; Students; Students, Dental - psychology; Time management; Time Management - psychology; Turkey; Well being; Young Adult; Turkey; Procrastination; well-being; academic performance; dental student
• ISSN: 1354-8506; 1465-3966
• DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2017.1418014

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of procrastination among a group of Turkish dental students and to determine the predictors and consequences of procrastination. A total number of 273 females and 179 males (aged between 18 and 28) were included in the study. Tuckman procrastination scale, Academic Life Satisfaction Scale, Concern over Mistake Scale, Poor Time Management Scale, Self-Doubt Scale, Irrational Beliefs about Studying Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and Life Satisfaction Scale were used to gather data. Results indicated that 50% of participants were more likely to procrastinate their academic assignments or tasks. Procrastination score did not differ according to gender. The findings suggested that procrastinating students had a higher level of poor time management, self-doubt and irrational beliefs about studying, and poor academic performance and well-being than their non-procrastinating counterparts. Preventive strategies are necessary to overcome procrastination which affects the academic achievement, satisfaction, and well-being of dental students.