Understanding Academic Procrastination through the Lens of Big Five Personality Traits among University Students in Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between Big Five personality traits and academic procrastination among university students in Pakistan. Although personality traits influence learning behaviors, limited research has examined this relationship within the Pakistani academic context. The study hypothesized a significant relationship between Big Five personality traits and academic procrastination among university students. A cross-sectional correlational research design was employed using convenience sampling. A total of 299 university students (149 females and 150 males), primarily enrolled in undergraduate BS programs from public and private universities in Karachi, participated through online surveys. Data were collected using the Big Five Inventory–10 (BFI–10; Rammstedt & John, 2007; α = .40–.70) and the Tuckman Procrastination Scale (TPS; Tuckman, 1991; α = .86–.92). Data were analyzed using SPSS through Pearson correlation analysis. Results partially supported the hypothesis, revealing significant positive correlations between academic procrastination and Extraversion, r(297) = .161, p < .01, and Openness to Experience, r(297) = .164, p < .01. However, no significant relationships were found for Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Agreeableness. These findings suggest that specific personality traits may contribute differently to procrastination behaviors within the Pakistani university context. Limitations, future research directions, and counseling implications are discussed.