Can Engagement buffer the harmful effects of Academic Procrastination?

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between Academic Procrastination and Engagement, as well as the pattern of academic functioning of both variables, regarding the use of self-regulated learning strategies, both efficient and inefficient, as well as students' state previous to the exams. All variables were measured through self-report questionnaires, in a population of distance learning / online university students. Also, a possible buffering effect of Engagement on the harmful effects of academic procrastination is postulated. This differential pattern is more accurately analyzed by considering three profiles of students, those characterized by Pure Engagement, those characterized by pure Academic Procrastination and a mixed profile of procrastinators with medium-high Engagement levels. The results corroborate, on the one hand, the large differences that exist in how engaged and procrastinator students cope with their studies and, on the other hand, the clear buffering effect of engagement on academic procrastination that can be observed in the significant and positive improvement showed by the mixed profile both, in the type of self-regulated learning strategies used, and in its prior state to the exams.