Procrastination as a Predictor for Stress, Substance Use and Self Esteem

Abstract

The aim of the research is to prove, procrastination as a predictor of stress, substance – use and self-esteem. The research objectives come out to be 1. To find out procrastination is a predictor for stress, 2. To find out procrastination is a predictor for substance – use and 3. To find out procrastination is a predictor for self-esteem. Procrastination is the act of delaying or putting off tasks until the last minute, or past their deadline. Some researchers define procrastination as a “form of self-regulation failure characterized by the irrational delay of tasks despite potentially negative consequences. Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stress is your body’s reaction to a challenge or demand. In short bursts, stress can be positive, such as when it helps you avoid danger or meet a deadline. Self-esteem is your overall opinion of yourself — how you feel about your abilities and limitations. When you have healthy self-esteem, you feel good about yourself and see yourself as deserving the respect of others. When you have low self-esteem, you put little value on your opinions and ideas. Substance use occurs when a person’s use of alcohol or another substance (drug) leads to health issues or problems at work, school, or home. This disorder is also called substance abuse. The exact cause of substance use disorder is not known. The tools used were 1. Irrational Procrastination Scale (IPS), 2. Perceived Stress Scale by Sheldon Cohen 1994, 3. Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale 1983 and 4. The Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medications, and other Substance [TAPS] Tool. The analysis was done through linear regression. Hypothesis was that procrastination is a predictor of substance use, and hypothesis is proved as there is a strongly significant relation between the both. R Square (R2) equals 0.950. It means that 95% of the variability of Y is explained by X. Hypothesis was that procrastination is a predictor of stress, and hypothesis is proved as there is a moderately significant relation between the both. R Square (R2) equals 0.32. It means that 32% of the variability of Y is explained by X. Hypothesis was that procrastination is a predictor of self-esteem, and hypothesis is proved as there is a strongly significant relation between the both. R Square (R2) equals 0.90. It means that 90% of the variability of Y is explained by X.