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In this study I examined whether or not the relationship between active procrastination and academic motivation is distinct from the relationship between passive procrastination and academic motivation in order to distinguish between 2 types of procrastination within a self-determination theoretical framework. Data were collected from 278 Korean undergraduates. The findings indicated that high identification and low external regulation increased active procrastination and high external regulation and low intrinsic motivation increased passive procrastination. The findings also showed that active procrastination was inversely proportional to passive procrastination. These findings support the idea that, compared to passive procrastination, active procrastination might be related to relatively autonomous forms of motivation, and might be a form of delay distinct from passive procrastination.
Keywords: active procrastination, passive procrastination, academic motivation, external regulation, identification, intrinsic motivation, self-determination theory.
Perspectives on procrastination vary from author to author. Some researchers maintain that not only behavioral delay but also psychological distress should be involved in the definition of procrastination (e.g., Lay & Schouwenburg, 1993; Solomon & Rothblum, 1984). However, others focus only on behavioral delay (e.g., Burka & Yuen, 1983; Ellis & Knaus, 1977). Schouwenburg (2004) suggested that not all postponement should be considered dilatory behavior because deferment can be purposely planned and it can be beneficial to postpone doing something. Other researchers have agreed with his idea (Alexander & Onwuegbuzie, 2007; Howell & Watson, 2007; Schraw, Wadkins, & Olafson, 2007).
Chu and Choi (2005) introduced the term active procrastination in this perspective. They suggested that there are two distinct types of procrastination: active and passive. Active procrastinators make intentional decisions to procrastinate, thus applying strong motivation under time pressure, they are able to complete tasks before deadlines, and achieve satisfactory outcomes (Choi & Moran, 2009). In contrast, passive procrastinators are traditional procrastinators who postpone their tasks until the last minute with feelings of guilt and depression and are more likely to fail to complete tasks. Chu and Choi (2005) suggested that active procrastinators differ from passive procrastinators in cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions. The suggestion of differences between them has been supported by findings in several studies. Passive and active procrastinators have been found to differ from each other in their relationship with avoidance goals (Chu & Choi, 2005; Corkin, Yu, & Lindt,...