The Perils of Procrastination: College Students Face Health Risks

Study reveals the link between procrastination and mental and physical health concerns.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Procrastination is a common problem among college students, with many juggling coursework, part-time jobs, and social lives. However, putting off tasks and assignments may have more significant consequences than just a last-minute scramble to meet deadlines. A recent study by Sirois and Pychyl (2013) suggests that college students procrastinating have a higher risk of poor mental and physical health.

The Burden of Procrastination

The study examined the health and well-being of over 500 college students, assessing their tendency to procrastinate and overall mental and physical health. The results revealed that students who frequently procrastinated had higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, these students were likelier to report poor sleep quality, lower life satisfaction, and increased acute and chronic health issues.

It’s worth noting that the relationship between procrastination and health problems was not solely due to the increased stress associated with putting off tasks. Instead, the researchers found that the adverse health effects persisted even after controlling…