Dispositional Predictors of Academic Procrastination: A Correlational Analysis in Adolescents

Academic procrastination has become increasingly common among adolescents and is influenced by multiple psychological factors, including personality traits. The present study examined the relationship between academic procrastination and the Big Five personality traits among school-going adolescents in Shimla city. A sample of 400 adolescents (200 males and 200 females) aged 15–18 years was selected from Classes 9 to 12. The Academic Procrastination Scale and the NEO-FFI Personality Inventory were administered, and data were analyzed using correlational, t-test, and regression techniques. Results revealed significant correlations between academic procrastination and all five personality traits. Neuroticism showed a positive relationship, whereas Extraversion, Openness to Experience, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness demonstrated negative relationships with procrastination. No significant gender differences were found in academic procrastination. Multiple regression analysis indicated that personality traits significantly predicted academic procrastination, accounting for approximately 45% of its variance, with Conscientiousness emerging as the strongest negative predictor. The findings underscore the role of dispositional characteristics in procrastination and contribute empirical evidence within the Indian adolescent context. Implications for educational practice and future research directions are discussed.