Pages: 13-22

Abstract

Procrastination is a behavioral phenomenon described as delaying the tasks. It causes stress, feeling guilty, and a severe reduction in individual productivity. It also leads to the lack of social approval due to non-commitment to tasks and responsibilities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of perfectionism and perceived stress in behavioral procrastination with the mediating role of self-regulation.  This research was a fundamental-correlational study. The research population included students of the University of Tabriz in the academic year of 2018-2019, 300 of which were selected by cluster random sampling method. To measure the data, Lee and Mann Procrastination Scale, Multiple Procrastination Scale (MPS), Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, and Self-monitoring Scale were used.The results of data analysis using structural equation modeling method showed that self-regulation could mediate the relationship between perfectionism and perceived stress as well as behavioral procrastination. In this regard, the measured model had desirable fit with the theoretical model. These results had practical implications for reducing procrastination of students. They suggested that personality traits and behavioral skills played a key role in the emergence of procrastination.