Effectiveness of a guided internet-based intervention in reducing procrastination among university students – a randomized controlled trial

Procrastination is highly prevalent among students and has several negative consequences, affecting academic performance, mental health, and prospects for future professional development. However, there exists a treatment gap, with there being many more students with problems than those receiving help. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a guided internet-based intervention, GetStarted, in addressing procrastination among college students. In this two-arm randomized controlled trial, 403 students were randomly assigned to GetStarted or waitlist control. The primary outcome was the difference in self-reported procrastination behaviours between intervention and control measured on the Irrational Procrastination scale (IPS) at post-test (4 weeks post-baseline). In addition, long-term effects based on the difference in the IPS scores from baseline to 6-months follow-up were assessed in the intervention group. Secondary outcomes were differences in depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress, and mental health-related quality of life. All analyses were based on the intent to treat principle. The Random Forest Lee bounds approach was applied as a sensitivity and robustness analysis. The sociodemographic characteristics of the participants were examined as treatment moderators. Finally, treatment acceptability was assessed through satisfaction with treatment, program usability, satisfaction with e-coach, and treatment adherence. Our results revealed that GetStarted was significantly effective in reducing procrastination at the post-test (Cohen's d = 0.40), and this effect remained stable at 6-month follow-up (p < .001). The intervention group also experienced reductions in depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress, along with an increase in quality of life from baseline to post-test and 6-month follow-up, although these changes were not statistically significant apart from perceived stress. No significant moderators influenced treatment effectiveness. Overall, participants reported good acceptability of the treatment. GetStarted offers an effective, flexible, and low-intensity solution for treating procrastination, with the potential to prevent common mental health issues among college students.

Trial registration

This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System (Trial number: NCT05478096).