The relationship between self-compassion and procrastination: The mediating role of shame and guilt

Procrastination is a widespread phenomenon among people that has many negative consequences and has been associated with cognitive, emotional and motivational factors. The present study examined the relationship between academic procrastination and self-compassion and the mediating role of self-conscious affects (shame and guilt) in this process.

Statistical population consisted of 165 students (86 males and 79 females) of dormitories of Shiraz University in 2015 by convenient method. Data was collected via the Academic Procrastination Scale (PASS), Self-compassion Scale (SCS) and the 3rd edition of the Test of Self-conscious Affect (TOSCA-3).

Results were analyzed using path analysis through multivariate linear regression. The results revealed that procrastination was positively associated with shame, depression, anxiety and stress and negatively associated with guilt. On the other hand, self-compassion was negatively associated with procrastination, shame, depression, stress and anxiety. Results of path analysis revealed that self-compassion mediated the relationship between shame, guilt and procrastination.

According to the results of the present study, it can be concluded that self-compassion can lead to decrease in procrastination, depression, stress and anxiety by reducing shame. The results of the present study were explained based on the role of self-conscious affects in self-compassion and procrastination.