Overcoming Academic Procrastination: A Behavioral-Cognitive Approach

Project by Polygence alum Joshua

Overcoming Academic Procrastination: A Behavioral-Cognitive Approach

Project's result

Proposed Idea of Identification: Using CBT as a method to identify procrastination motives; Proposed Idea of Correction: Using Operant Conditioning to modify behavior of procrastination based on motives; Proposed model of the synthesis to solving academic procrastination using both CBT and Operant Conditioning

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Summary

Procrastination, the act of delaying tasks, is an issue affecting students regardless of skin color, age, or gender. Notably, these young students are a significant proportion in the United States that struggle with academic procrastination. This research paper adopts the framework of a behavioral-cognitive psychology approach, employing both cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and operant conditioning to uncover how academic procrastination occurs. CBT is the forefront instrument proposed to identify the cognitive processes contributing to the behavior procrastination. The role of operant conditioning serves as a tool to unlearn the behavior. The aim of the study was to explore the potential of a behavioral-cognitive approach to addressing the external distractions that can cause academic procrastination. Based on the current literature available regarding how CBT and operant conditioning are applied, a conclusion was formed. The study contains a preliminary model that aims to reduce academic procrastination by unlearning the behavior and addressing the underlying causes. Further research on the impact operant conditioning holds to influence an individual is required to solidify the findings.

Riya

Riya

Polygence mentor

MD Doctor of Medicine candidate

Subjects

Biology, Literature

Expertise

Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Genetics, Psychology, Sociology, English, Religious Studies, Theology, Philosophy, Indian Classical Dance (Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi), Cultural Studies

Joshua

Joshua

Student

Graduation Year

2026

About my mentor

“Very helpful and nice to work with, was very tolerant of the switch-up of projects I committed.”