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The Predictive Role of Past and Future Self-Continuity in Procrastination at Work

The present study deals with the predictive role of past and future self-continuity on procrastination at work. Self-continuity refers to how connected individuals feel to their past and future selves. Procrastination at work is a common issue with negative consequences for individuals and organizations. Previous research has shown a relationship between procrastination in the academic context and future self-continuity. Individuals with lower levels of future self-continuity are more likely to procrastinate because they perceive their future selves as strangers. The present study examines both past and future self-continuity in relation to procrastination in the workplace, rather than focusing on the academic domain. We collected quantitative data using an online questionnaire to answer the research questions. The results showed that both, past and future self-continuity, significantly predicted procrastination at work. Past self-continuity proved to be a stronger predictor than future self-continuity. Even after controlling for conscientiousness, past self-continuity robustly predicted procrastination at work. The mediation analysis did not show significant results for consideration of future consequences as a mediator. These findings emphasize the importance of considering individuals' connections to their past selves in understanding procrastination at work. They underscore the need for interventions that promote reflection on past experiences and goal setting to reduce procrastination tendencies. Our study provides new insights into self-continuity and procrastination in an organizational context and initiates future research and practical interventions.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:lnu-130178
Date January 2024
CreatorsBarth, Franziska Maria, Joksimovic, Mia Kristina
PublisherLinnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för psykologi (PSY)
Source SetsDiVA Archive at Upsalla University
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeStudent thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text
Formatapplication/pdf
Rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

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