Exploring Cognitive-Emotional Profiles of Procrastination: Perfectionism, Metacognitive Beliefs, and Self-Efficacy

Mahmoudian, Hassan; Mahmoudzadeh, Fatemeh

doi:10.22034/iepa.2026.574485.1589

Exploring Cognitive-Emotional Profiles of Procrastination: Perfectionism, Metacognitive Beliefs, and Self-Efficacy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Hassan Mahmoudian ¹

Fatemeh Mahmoudzadeh ²

¹ Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

² Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22034/iepa.2026.574485.1589

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: For this purpose, 365 university students were selected using convenience sampling. Participants completed standard scales of procrastination, multidimensional perfectionism, metacognitive questionnaire, and general self-efficacy. 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).

Keywords

Procrastination

Perfectionism

Metacognitive Beliefs

Self-Efficacy

Subjects