How to Help Students Overcome Academic Procrastination

The purpose of this study is to evaluate two different treatment methods in a sample of procrastinating students of the University of Basel. As first treatment, a cognitive-behavioral treatment has been chosen as these type of treatment already showed promising results in reducing students' procrastination behavior. The alternative to the more time-intensive cognitive-behavioral treatment is the application of imaginary pills to students suffering from procrastination.This study evaluates the potential of the cognitive-behavioral and the imaginary pill treatment to reduce procrastination in a three-arm randomized controlled trial with parallel group between-subject design.

Inclusion Criteria:Male and female Bachelor's and Master's students of the University of BaselAge between 18 and 35Self-reported academic procrastination criterion is fulfilled (IPS value ≥ 32 points)Healthy by self-report statement (i.e., no known current physiological or psychological disorders, not taking medication, not in psychological/psychiatric treatment)Willing to participate in the studySufficient German language skills to follow the instructions and participate in group sessionsExclusion Criteria:Self-reported academic procrastination criteria not fulfilled: IPS < 32Any current psychological or physiological diseaseCurrent psychological or psychiatric treatmentCurrent intake of psychotropic medicationInsufficient German language skills to understand the instructions or discuss in group sessionsDaily consumption of more than three alcoholic standard beverages (a standard alcoholic beverage is defined as either 3dl beer or 1dl wine or 2cl spirits)Regular drug consumption (THC, cocaine, heroin, etc.)PhD students