High Self-Efficacy and Precrastination: Task Order Choices Based on Deadline Proximity

The concept of ‘precrastination’ as opposed to procrastination has emerged. Precrastination describes scenarios where individuals initiate tasks sooner, even when at a cost or extra effort, to possibly alleviate cognitive load. Recent literature has explored the merits of delaying or promptly addressing aversive tasks. When confronted with aversive tasks, conventional wisdom suggests addressing them immediately. Recent research has underscored the advantages of prompt task completion, even if it incurs additional costs. Nevertheless, the optimal task order remains elusive. Moreover, the influence of situational factors and individual differences on task sequencing is not fully understood. This study specifically examined the interaction between the proximity of deadlines and self-efficacy to clarify their combined effects on task order preferences. Results indicated that individuals with high self-efficacy tend to start with their preferred task when the deadline is distant but conduct aversive tasks first when the deadline is imminent. This paper suggests that people with high self-efficacy strategically sequence tasks, optimizing efficiency based on situational demands.