Exploring the Price of Postponement: Structural Equation Modelling of the Linkages between Procrastination and Mental Wellbeing among University Students

Abstract

One major self-regulation issue that is common among students and has a serious negative impact on their mental health is procrastination. This study tests the hypothesis that procrastination is a significant negative determinant by examining the direct relationship between procrastination and mental wellbeing. Data were gathered from 150 students at the University of Kashmir in India using a cross-sectional design. The hypothesis was confirmed by structural equation modeling (SEM), which showed a strong, significant negative path (b=-0.46, P= 0.01)  from procrastination to mental wellbeing. A good fit was shown by the model (CFI = 0.967, TLI = 0.963). These results support theoretical frameworks such as Self-Determination Theory by showing that procrastination actively depletes psychological resources and compromises wellbeing. According to the study's findings, procrastination is a significant psychological barrier to students' success rather than just a time management problem. In order to protect and improve students' mental health, university support systems must go beyond discrete academic skills training and instead employ integrated interventions that address the underlying emotional and self-regulatory deficiencies causing procrastination.