Iranian Journal of Learning and Memory

Abstract Objective: The present study aimed to identify distinct subgroups of students based on a combination of cognitive-emotional variables including perfectionism, metacognitive beliefs, and self-efficacy, and to examine how these latent profiles are related to the procrastination. Method: A multi-stage cluster random sampling method was employed to select the participants. In the first stage, the university's faculties were considered primary clusters. From the total of faculties, six faculties were randomly selected. In the second stage, given the statistical nature of the "latent profile analysis", a sample of 365 students was selected using the convenience sampling method. Participants completed standard scales of procrastination, multidimensional perfectionism, metacognitive questionnaire, and general self-efficacy questionnaire. Data were analyzed using a person-centered approach and the statistical method of Latent Profile Analysis (LPA). Results: Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) revealed four distinct profiles: Adaptive/Self-Efficacious (21%), Maladaptive Perfectionists (26%), Strategic Procrastinators (34%), and Vulnerable/Avoidant (19%). A one-way ANOVA indicated significant differences in procrastination severity across profiles (F(3, 361) = 20.18, p < .001, η² = .14). Tukey post-hoc tests confirmed that the Vulnerable profile exhibited the highest level of procrastination (M_diff = 1.10, p < .001 compared to the Adaptive profile). Conclusions: The findings of this study, confirming the heterogeneity of the procrastination phenomenon, indicate that therapeutic interventions should not be the same; rather, they should be designed to suit the specific profile of each group (such as focusing on modifying metacognitive beliefs in strategic procrastinators or strengthening self-efficacy in vulnerable groups).