Clarifying some confusion: indecisiveness and procrastination are distinct constructs

Abstract

AbstractAversive indecisiveness is a trait-like, threat-based cognitive style associated with decision-making that is correlated with risks for and symptoms of anxiety and depression. By contrast, procrastination is the intentional delay of making a decision or pursuing a course of action despite expecting negative outcomes. In past research, the terms indecisiveness and procrastination have been used interchangeably contrary to the operationalization and nomological networks of these constructs. In this investigation, the distinction between aversive indecisiveness and procrastination was assessed and it was expected that items marking these constructs would load on distinct latent factors. It was also expected that aversive indecisiveness and procrastination would be more strongly associated with variables from their respective nomological networks. In an online survey, 500 (n = 355 women) undergraduate participants completed measures assessing aversive indecisiveness, procrastination, and other variables from their respective nomological networks. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated that aversive indecisiveness, decisional procrastination, and implemental procrastination loaded on separate latent factors, with no significant cross-loadings, and sharing only a modest amount of variance. Aversive indecisiveness was more strongly predictive of neuroticism, Intolerance of Uncertainty, general distress, worry, and avoidance than procrastination. In contrast, procrastination was more strongly predictive of conscientiousness and self-discipline than aversive indecisiveness. Both aversive indecisiveness and procrastination were equally correlated with anxious arousal, anhedonic depression, and emotionally driven impulsivity. Implications for future research of the measurement and explication of indecisiveness are discussed.