Gender-Based Differences among the Students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Academic Help-Seeking Styles and Procrastination

Procrastination is one of the effective factors that reduce students’ academic performance. The rate of procrastination and help-seeking styles may be different in male and female students and this can affect their academic performance. So, this research aimed to determine the differences among male and female students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in academic procrastination and academic help-seeking styles.
In this descriptive study, research participants included 392 students (234 female and 158 male) of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in the academic year of 2014-15 who were selected using stratified random sampling method. Procrastination Assessment Scale and academic help-seeking styles questionnaire were performed by the participants. Validity and reliability of questionnaires were approved. The gathered data were analyzed via SPSS software using MANOVA test.
There were significant differences among the male and female students regarding procrastination and academic help-seeking style components. The mean scores of readiness for the exams and providing the midterm report components (14.48) was higher in female students. In addition, female university students used autonomous help-seeking style (16.29) while male university students used avoidant help-seeking style (9.20).
Totally, higher or lower scores in students’ procrastination and academic help-seeking style components depends on factors such as parents’ attitude or insight to parenting styles. This research has implications for teachers, educators and consultants which can be used for improving the university students’ achievement.