Self-Regulation, Conformity, and the Procrastination Puzzle: A Mediated Path Analysis Among University Students
Abstract
Academic procrastination undermines student achievement worldwide; yet, prior evidence on its antecedents focuses almost exclusively on individual-level self-regulation, while overlooking social pressures. This study investigates whether peer conformity mediates the relationship between self-regulation and procrastination among university students, thereby integrating cognitive-behavioural and sociocultural perspectives. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 428 undergraduates (Mage = 20.1 ± 1.4 years; 63 % female) recruited via stratified random sampling across four Indonesian universities. Participants completed validated Indonesian versions of the Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire, the Academic Procrastination Scale, and the Peer Conformity Scale. After confirmatory factor and reliability analyses, a latent-variable path model with a 5,000-sample bootstrap was tested in AMOS to estimate direct and indirect effects. The measurement model demonstrated good fit (χ²/df = 1.89, CFI = 0.962, TLI = 0.955, RMSEA = 0.046). Self-regulation negatively predicted conformity (β = −0.46, p < .001) and procrastination (β = −0.31, p < .001). Conformity positively predicted procrastination (β = 0.35, p < .001). A significant indirect path confirmed that conformity partially mediates the self-regulation–procrastination link (βindirect = −0.16, 95 % CI [−0.23, −0.10]), accounting for 34 % of the total effect. Findings extend social-cognitive models of delay behaviour by showing that low personal control heightens susceptibility to peer-norm pressures, intensifying procrastination. Interventions should pair self-regulatory training with strategies that recalibrate classroom norms (e.g., collaborative goal setting) to curb academic delay.
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References
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Bonilla-Yucailla, D., Balseca-Acosta, A., Cárdenas-Pérez, M. J., & Moya-Ramírez, D. (2022). Emotional intelligence, engagement and academic self-efficacy. Analysis mediation within Ecuadorian universities. Interdisciplinaria, 39(2), 249–264. https://doi.org/10.16888/interd.2022.39.2.16
Brahma, B., & Saikia, P. (2023). Influence of self-regulated learning on the academic procrastination of college students. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 12(1), 182. https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_1106_22
Cabauatan, R. R., Uy, C., Manalo, R. A., & Castro, B. de. (2021). Factors affecting intention to use blended learning approach in the tertiary level: A quantitative approach. Higher Education for the Future, 8(2), 239–255. https://doi.org/10.1177/23476311211011934
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Fuentealba-Urra, S., Rubio, A., González-Carrasco, M., Oyanedel, J. C., & Céspedes-Carreno, C. (2023). Mediation effect of emotional self-regulation in the relationship between physical activity and subjective well-being in Chilean adolescents. Scientific Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-39843-7
González-Brignardello, M. P., & Sánchez-Elvira Paniagua, Á. (2023). Dimensional Structure of MAPS-15: Validation of the Multidimensional Academic Procrastination Scale. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043201
Kelly, S. M., & Walton, H. R. (2021). “I’ll work out tomorrow”: The Procrastination in Exercise Scale. Journal of Health Psychology, 26(13), 2613–2625. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105320916541
Kertechian, K. S., & Ismail, H. N. (2025). A Positive View of Excessive Smartphone Utilization and Its Relationship With Other Academic-Related Variables Within the Online Course Setting. Psychological Reports, 128(4), 2757–2783. https://doi.org/10.1177/00332941231183338
Khalifa, T. S. M. (2023). Performance Perfectionism and its Relation to Academic Procrastination and Depression among Early Childhood Student Teachers. Information Sciences Letters, 12(5), 1589–1598. https://doi.org/10.18576/isl/120508
Krishnan, A., & Chew, P. K. H. (2024). Impact of Social Media Addiction and Internet Gaming Disorder on Sleep Quality: Serial Mediation Analyses. Psychiatric Quarterly, 95(2), 185–202. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-024-10068-9
Lee, S., Jeong, J., Kim, M., Lee, S., Kim, S.-P., & Jung, D. (2025). Development of a Mobile Intervention for Procrastination Augmented With a Semigenerative Chatbot for University Students: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR MHealth and UHealth, 13. https://doi.org/10.2196/53133
Lischetzke, T., Grommisch, G., Prestele, E., & Altstötter-Gleich, C. (2025). Are perfectionistic strivings beneficial or detrimental to well-being and achievement? Tests of procrastination and emotion regulation as moderators. Journal of Personality, 93(3), 614–632. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12955
Merett, F. N., Bzuneck, J. A., De Oliveira, K. L., & Rufini, S. É. (2020). University students profiles of self-regulated learning and motivation. Estudos de Psicologia (Campinas), 37, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0275202037e180126
Miller, A., Bravo, D., Arnold, E., Rincon, B., & Murray, C. (2024). Examining social support and procrastination among college students. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1425524
Panadero, E. (2017). A review of self-regulated learning: Six models and four directions for research. In Frontiers in Psychology (Vol. 8, Issue APR). Frontiers Media S.A. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00422
Rad, H. F., Bordbar, S., Bahmaei, J., Vejdani, M., & Yusefi, A. R. (2025). Predicting academic procrastination of students based on academic self-efficacy and emotional regulation difficulties. Scientific Reports, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-87664-7
Ragusa, A., González-Bernal, J., Trigueros, R., Caggiano, V., Navarro, N., Minguez-Minguez, L. A., Obregón, A. I., & Fernandez-Ortega, C. (2023). Effects of academic self-regulation on procrastination, academic stress and anxiety, resilience and academic performance in a sample of Spanish secondary school students. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1073529
Rashid, A., Yasmeen, R., Ahmed, R., & Jawed, K. (2022). Factors leading to the academic failure of undergraduate medical students-Predict early to prevent. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 38(8), 2071–2075. https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5951
Sirois, F. M., Stride, C. B., & Pychyl, T. A. (2023). Procrastination and health: A longitudinal test of the roles of stress and health behaviours. British Journal of Health Psychology, 28(3), 860–875. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12658
Tao, S., & Jing, Y. (2023). More sense of self-discipline, less procrastination: the mediation of autonomous motivation. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1268614
Tao, X., Hanif, H., Ahmed, H. H., & Ebrahim, N. A. (2021). Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization of Academic Procrastination. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.722332
Valente, S., Dominguez-Lara, S., & Lourenço, A. (2024). Planning Time Management in School Activities and Relation to Procrastination: A Study for Educational Sustainability. Sustainability (Switzerland), 16(16). https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166883
Wang, J., & Sun, Y. (2023). Time flies, but you’re in control: the mediating effect of self-control between time attitude and academic procrastination. BMC Psychology, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01438-2
Wieland, L. M., Ebner-Priemer, U. W., Limberger, M. F., & Nett, U. E. (2021). Predicting Delay in Goal-Directed Action: An Experience Sampling Approach Uncovering Within-Person Determinants Involved in the Onset of Academic Procrastination Behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.695927
Yang, Z. (2021). Does Procrastination Always Predict Lower Life Satisfaction? A Study on the Moderation Effect of Self-Regulation in China and the United Kingdom. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.690838
Durak, Y. H., Şimşir Gökalp, Z., Seki, T., Saritepeci, M., & Dilmaç, B. (2023). Examination of non-cognitive variables affecting academic achievement: a conceptual model proposal. Quality and Quantity, 57(6), 4985–5006. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-022-01580-w
Yığ, K. G. (2022). Research trends in mathematics education: A quantitative content analysis of major journals 2017-2021. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 6(3), 137–153. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPR.202215529
Zhao, W., Wang, X., Li, J., Li, Q., & Chen, C. (2022). “Time is My Own Treasure”: Parental Autonomy Support and Academic Procrastination Among Chinese Adolescents. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 15, 2773–2782. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S373033
Zimmerman, B. J., & Schunk, D. H. (2015). Handbook of Self-Regulation of Learning and Performance. Handbook of Self-Regulation of Learning and Performance, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203839010.ch3
Alhazbi, S., Al-ali, A., Tabassum, A., Al-Ali, A., Al-Emadi, A., Khattab, T., & Hasan, M. A. (2024). Using learning analytics to measure self-regulated learning: A systematic review of empirical studies in higher education. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 40(4), 1658–1674. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12982
Eissa, M. A., & Khalifa, A. G. (2020). Modeling Self-Regulated Learning: The mediating role in the relationship between academic procrastination and problematic smartphone use among third year-middle school learning disabled students. Electronic Journal of Research in Educational Psychology, 18(3), 507–522.
Amani, M., & Arbabi, M. M. (2020). The Mediating Role of Academic Self-Regulation in the Relationship between Parenting Dimensions and Academic Procrastination. International Journal of School Health, 7(2), 21–29. https://doi.org/10.30476/intjsh.2020.84983.1050
Bonilla-Yucailla, D., Balseca-Acosta, A., Cárdenas-Pérez, M. J., & Moya-Ramírez, D. (2022). Emotional intelligence, engagement and academic self-efficacy. Analysis mediation within Ecuadorian universities. Interdisciplinaria, 39(2), 249–264. https://doi.org/10.16888/interd.2022.39.2.16
Brahma, B., & Saikia, P. (2023). Influence of self-regulated learning on the academic procrastination of college students. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 12(1), 182. https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_1106_22
Cabauatan, R. R., Uy, C., Manalo, R. A., & Castro, B. de. (2021). Factors affecting intention to use blended learning approach in the tertiary level: A quantitative approach. Higher Education for the Future, 8(2), 239–255. https://doi.org/10.1177/23476311211011934
Chen, B., Zhang, H., & Li, S. (2024a). The Impact Mechanism of Negative Academic Emotions on Academic Procrastination: The Mediating and Moderating Roles of Self-Efficacy and Goal Orientation. Education Sciences, 14(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14111232
Chen, B., Zhang, H., & Li, S. (2024b). The Impact Mechanism of Negative Academic Emotions on Academic Procrastination: The Mediating and Moderating Roles of Self-Efficacy and Goal Orientation. Education Sciences, 14(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14111232
Chen, S., & Zhang, Y. (2023). The Relationship Between Self-concept Clarity and Procrastination among College Students: A Mediation Chain Model. ACM International Conference Proceeding Series, 106–111. https://doi.org/10.1145/3608218.3608228
de la Fuente, J., Sander, P., Garzón-Umerenkova, A., Vera-Martínez, M. M., Fadda, S., & Gaetha, M. L. (2021). Self-Regulation and Regulatory Teaching as Determinants of Academic Behavioral Confidence and Procrastination in Undergraduate Students. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.602904
Diotaiuti, P., Valente, G., Mancone, S., & Bellizzi, F. (2021). A Mediating Model of Emotional Balance and Procrastination on Academic Performance. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.665196
Elizondo, K., Valenzuela, R., Pestana, J. V, & Codina, N. (2024). Self-regulation and procrastination in college students: A tale of motivation, strategy, and perseverance. Psychology in the Schools, 61(3), 887–902. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.23088
Fabio, R. A., Stracuzzi, A., & Lo Faro, R. (2022). Problematic Smartphone Use Leads to Behavioral and Cognitive Self-Control Deficits. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127445
Faozi, M. R., & Muslikah, M. (2022). The Relationship of Peer Conformity and Self-Regulation with Academic Procrastination on College Students who are Preparing a Thesis. Pedagonal : Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, 6(2), 211–220. https://doi.org/10.55215/pedagonal.v6i2.5647
Ferraz, A. S., Santos, A. A. A. D., & Noronha, A. P. P. (2023). Self-Regulation for Reading Comprehension: Assessment of Strategies and Time Management. Psicologia: Teoria e Pesquisa, 39. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102.3772E39307.EN
Fuentealba-Urra, S., Rubio, A., González-Carrasco, M., Oyanedel, J. C., & Céspedes-Carreno, C. (2023). Mediation effect of emotional self-regulation in the relationship between physical activity and subjective well-being in Chilean adolescents. Scientific Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-39843-7
González-Brignardello, M. P., & Sánchez-Elvira Paniagua, Á. (2023). Dimensional Structure of MAPS-15: Validation of the Multidimensional Academic Procrastination Scale. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043201
Kelly, S. M., & Walton, H. R. (2021). “I’ll work out tomorrow”: The Procrastination in Exercise Scale. Journal of Health Psychology, 26(13), 2613–2625. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105320916541
Kertechian, K. S., & Ismail, H. N. (2025). A Positive View of Excessive Smartphone Utilization and Its Relationship With Other Academic-Related Variables Within the Online Course Setting. Psychological Reports, 128(4), 2757–2783. https://doi.org/10.1177/00332941231183338
Khalifa, T. S. M. (2023). Performance Perfectionism and its Relation to Academic Procrastination and Depression among Early Childhood Student Teachers. Information Sciences Letters, 12(5), 1589–1598. https://doi.org/10.18576/isl/120508
Krishnan, A., & Chew, P. K. H. (2024). Impact of Social Media Addiction and Internet Gaming Disorder on Sleep Quality: Serial Mediation Analyses. Psychiatric Quarterly, 95(2), 185–202. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-024-10068-9
Lee, S., Jeong, J., Kim, M., Lee, S., Kim, S.-P., & Jung, D. (2025). Development of a Mobile Intervention for Procrastination Augmented With a Semigenerative Chatbot for University Students: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR MHealth and UHealth, 13. https://doi.org/10.2196/53133
Lischetzke, T., Grommisch, G., Prestele, E., & Altstötter-Gleich, C. (2025). Are perfectionistic strivings beneficial or detrimental to well-being and achievement? Tests of procrastination and emotion regulation as moderators. Journal of Personality, 93(3), 614–632. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12955
Merett, F. N., Bzuneck, J. A., De Oliveira, K. L., & Rufini, S. É. (2020). University students profiles of self-regulated learning and motivation. Estudos de Psicologia (Campinas), 37, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0275202037e180126
Miller, A., Bravo, D., Arnold, E., Rincon, B., & Murray, C. (2024). Examining social support and procrastination among college students. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1425524
Panadero, E. (2017). A review of self-regulated learning: Six models and four directions for research. In Frontiers in Psychology (Vol. 8, Issue APR). Frontiers Media S.A. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00422
Rad, H. F., Bordbar, S., Bahmaei, J., Vejdani, M., & Yusefi, A. R. (2025). Predicting academic procrastination of students based on academic self-efficacy and emotional regulation difficulties. Scientific Reports, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-87664-7
Ragusa, A., González-Bernal, J., Trigueros, R., Caggiano, V., Navarro, N., Minguez-Minguez, L. A., Obregón, A. I., & Fernandez-Ortega, C. (2023). Effects of academic self-regulation on procrastination, academic stress and anxiety, resilience and academic performance in a sample of Spanish secondary school students. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1073529
Rashid, A., Yasmeen, R., Ahmed, R., & Jawed, K. (2022). Factors leading to the academic failure of undergraduate medical students-Predict early to prevent. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 38(8), 2071–2075. https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5951
Sirois, F. M., Stride, C. B., & Pychyl, T. A. (2023). Procrastination and health: A longitudinal test of the roles of stress and health behaviours. British Journal of Health Psychology, 28(3), 860–875. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12658
Tao, S., & Jing, Y. (2023). More sense of self-discipline, less procrastination: the mediation of autonomous motivation. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1268614
Tao, X., Hanif, H., Ahmed, H. H., & Ebrahim, N. A. (2021). Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization of Academic Procrastination. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.722332
Valente, S., Dominguez-Lara, S., & Lourenço, A. (2024). Planning Time Management in School Activities and Relation to Procrastination: A Study for Educational Sustainability. Sustainability (Switzerland), 16(16). https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166883
Wang, J., & Sun, Y. (2023). Time flies, but you’re in control: the mediating effect of self-control between time attitude and academic procrastination. BMC Psychology, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01438-2
Wieland, L. M., Ebner-Priemer, U. W., Limberger, M. F., & Nett, U. E. (2021). Predicting Delay in Goal-Directed Action: An Experience Sampling Approach Uncovering Within-Person Determinants Involved in the Onset of Academic Procrastination Behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.695927
Yang, Z. (2021). Does Procrastination Always Predict Lower Life Satisfaction? A Study on the Moderation Effect of Self-Regulation in China and the United Kingdom. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.690838
Durak, Y. H., Şimşir Gökalp, Z., Seki, T., Saritepeci, M., & Dilmaç, B. (2023). Examination of non-cognitive variables affecting academic achievement: a conceptual model proposal. Quality and Quantity, 57(6), 4985–5006. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-022-01580-w
Yığ, K. G. (2022). Research trends in mathematics education: A quantitative content analysis of major journals 2017-2021. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 6(3), 137–153. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPR.202215529
Zhao, W., Wang, X., Li, J., Li, Q., & Chen, C. (2022). “Time is My Own Treasure”: Parental Autonomy Support and Academic Procrastination Among Chinese Adolescents. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 15, 2773–2782. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S373033
Zimmerman, B. J., & Schunk, D. H. (2015). Handbook of Self-Regulation of Learning and Performance. Handbook of Self-Regulation of Learning and Performance, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203839010.ch3
Published
2025-12-02
How to Cite
MAFAZAH DAULAY, Sarah; HASANUDDIN, Hasanuddin; SARI DEWI, Salamiah.
Self-Regulation, Conformity, and the Procrastination Puzzle: A Mediated Path Analysis Among University Students.
JESS (Journal of Education on Social Science), [S.l.], v. 9, n. 3, p. 243-254, dec. 2025.
ISSN 2550-0147.
Available at: <http://jess.ppj.unp.ac.id/index.php/JESS/article/view/617>. Date accessed: 07 dec. 2025.
doi: https://doi.org/10.24036/jess.v9i3.617.
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Artikel
