A modal profile analysis of procrastinators: A search for types

Abstract

This paper described two studies in which Skinner and Lei's (1980a) Modal Profile Analysis was applied to scores on a procrastination scale and a number of other trait scales. In study I, ratings on 18 dimensions regarding 10 personal projects were also included in the Analysis. Four profiles were retained in this study, with procrastination defining two of them. In one profile, procrastinators were also high on the neurotic disorganization scale and the rebelliousness scale and had personal projects which, overall, were characterized by high stress, high difficulty and low progress, and on which less than adequate time was spent. In the second profile, the procrastinator was neurotically disorganized, low in organization, energy level, and need-achievement, and had projects which were low in difficulty and stress, and high in progress. In Study II, four profiles were retained with the male data, with procrastination defining two of them. With the female data, three profiles were retained, only one defined by procrastination. With females procrastination, neurotic disorganization, high cognitive failures, and low organization were linked with low self-esteem and low energy level. Such was not the case with males. Rather, in one profile, the disorganized procrastinator was high in other-directed self-monitoring and low in stimulus screening and sensitivity to rejection. In the other male profile, the disorganized procrastinator was high in private self-consciousness and breadth of interest, and low in both stimulus screening and other-directed self-monitoring. Various interpretations of the pertinent profiles in Studies I and II were made, particularly as they might relate to classifications of the underachiever. Correlation coefficients in Study II between procrastination and the other trait measures were also presented.