Researchers Identify 9 Procrastination Types as 20% Regularly Put Off Tasks
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 17
Researchers Identify 9 Procrastination Types as 20% Regularly Put Off Tasks
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 17
Summary
One in five people regularly procrastinate, and researchers say the behavior can show up in nine overlapping patterns including dreamers, rebels, hedonists, thrill-seekers, perfectionists and burnouts.
Durham University professor Fuschia Sirois says the main driver is usually emotional avoidance rather than the task itself, with procrastinators dodging stress, self-criticism or other bad feelings.
Brain studies cited by Sirois point to differences in emotion-regulation areas, with the amygdala reacting to perceived threat faster than the prefrontal cortex can rationally assess the task.
Suggested fixes start with naming the emotion and its source, then using breathing or mindfulness, breaking work into smaller steps, removing distractions and taking easy wins to build momentum.
British Psychological Society psychologist Ian MacRae says the labels should describe temporary behavior, not fixed identity, and argues the biggest hurdle is often simply starting because motivation can follow action.