Pilot study of a Web-based acceptance and commitment therapy intervention for university students to reduce academic procrastination

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> This pilot study pursued two aims. The first was to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a Web-based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention to reduce academic procrastination among university students. The second aim was to test the effectiveness of the intervention on procrastination and committed actions. <b>Participants:</b> The sample was comprised of Canadian university students (<i>n</i> = 36) that participated in the intervention between September 2016 and April 2017. <b>Methods:</b> The study relied on a prepost research design. <b>Results:</b> The intervention appears feasible, acceptable, and valuable to students. A significant reduction in procrastination and a significant improvement in committed actions were found between pre and postintervention. The effect sizes for these results were medium. <b>Conclusions:</b> Results provide preliminary support for the feasibility and effectiveness of a Web-based ACT intervention for academic procrastination. Results also highlight some aspects that need to be improved for further development.