Reducing academic procrastination by acceptance and commitment therapy: A pilot study

The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact and implementation of a pilot program based on ACT for reducing academic procrastination in university students. It will also analyse the changes produced in the academic self-concept and motivational elements. Students were randomly assigned to an experimental group (N = 7) receiving a program of five sessions or to a control group without intervention (N = 15). The measurement instruments used were the Procrastination Assessment Scale, the MAPE-3 Questionnaire for evaluation of motivation, and the academic self-concept scale from the AF-5 Questionnaire. The results showed statistically significant changes for academic procrastination, fear of failure and academic self-concept. Although modest, this study presents data favourable to the application of ACT as an effective therapeutic option for the treatment of procrastination in university students.