Procrastination Type Test

This test was developed by IDRlabs but is based on the research of Dr. Fuschia M. Sirois and colleagues at Durham University. The Procrastination Type Test evaluates different forms of procrastination.

The test provides feedback such as the following:

Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks or decisions to a later time, often despite knowing that there might be negative consequences for the delay. It is a common behavior that affects people in various aspects of their lives, including academic, professional, and personal spheres. The reasons behind procrastination can vary widely among individuals and can be influenced by emotional, cognitive, and environmental factors.

Anxious Procrastination: Anxious procrastinators put off tasks because they feel overwhelmed by anxiety or fear of failure. They frequently fret about not completing tasks flawlessly or letting others down. This type of procrastination often arises from a lack of confidence in one's abilities and an inclination to overestimate task difficulty. Those who experience anxious procrastination often find themselves trapped in a loop of avoidance and stress; the longer they delay, the more their anxiety intensifies.

Fun Procrastination: This type occurs when individuals prioritize immediate pleasure and enjoyable activities over more important but less appealing tasks. Fun procrastination is driven by a desire for instant gratification and a reluctance to engage in tasks that require more effort or are perceived as boring. This can lead to a habit of choosing leisure or social activities over responsibilities, resulting in last-minute rushes to meet deadlines.

"Plenty of Time" Procrastination: Procrastinators of this type often misjudge the time required to complete tasks, believing they have more time than they actually do. This false sense of security leads to delaying the start of tasks, underestimating their complexity, or the potential for unforeseen complications. As deadlines approach, these procrastinators are forced into stressful, last-minute efforts to complete their work.

Perfectionist Procrastination: Perfectionists procrastinate because of their fear that the outcome of their efforts won’t meet their high standards. This type of procrastination is characterized by a reluctance to start or complete tasks, often accompanied by an obsession with details and an unrealistic pursuit of perfection. Perfectionist procrastinators also spend excessive time revising, which can hinder their productivity and lead to feelings of inadequacy.

Avoidant Procrastination: Individuals who engage in avoidant procrastination do so to escape tasks that evoke feelings of insecurity or self-doubt. They may fear others’ judgment or are uncomfortable stepping out of their comfort zones, leading to the avoidance of tasks altogether. This form of procrastination is often linked to low self-esteem and a negative self-image.

Decisional Procrastination: Involves delaying decisions to sidestep the responsibility and repercussions tied to them. It springs from a fear of making incorrect choices and grappling with potential regret down the line. Those who engage in decisional procrastination frequently experience hesitation, resulting in overlooked chances and heightened stress levels.

Total Procrastination: Your overall degree of procrastination. Higher scores indicate greater problems with procrastination.

The Procrastination Test is inspired by psychometric methodology and research into procrastination. While the Procrastination Test is inspired by psychometric methodology and scholarly research, it cannot be used to provide clinical assessments or an accurate evaluation of your personality. Clinical assessments should always be done in cooperation with a mental health professional. For more information about any of our online tests and quizzes, please consult our Terms of Service.