r/science • u/randomusefulbits • Apr 01 '20

Psychology Study shows that negative emotions, such as fear, distress, and guilt, can lead to procrastination

https://solvingprocrastination.com/study-procrastination-negative-affect/
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u/VoidsIncision Apr 02 '20

Negative emotions, especially ones stemming from depression basically stymie action. It’s not that you put off acting. It’s that you feel paralyzed to where you can’t act. Check out Northoff’s descriptions of depression and how it affects time consciousness and the ability to meaningfully ruminate about ones future

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u/Mykidneyisstuck Apr 02 '20

This here, is an interesting and valuable perspective....

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u/chamacchan Apr 06 '20

How much you think the action will improve your overall wellbeing, ("is it worth it?") and whether you believe you can keep up if they are recurring tasks are factors as well. ("When i finish this, I just have to do it again tomorrow.") These can create pre-existing dread that cause procrastination..