AUTOMATIC NEGATIVE THOUGHTS, SELF-COMPASSION, AND ACADEMIC PROCRASTINATION AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) and academic procrastination, exploring self-compassion as a potential mediator. Utilizing a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 500 undergraduate and graduate students across six universities in Lahore, Pakistan, via stratified convenience sampling. Statistical analysis, including correlation and regression-based mediation, revealed a significant positive association between ANTs and academic procrastination. Conversely, self-compassion was negatively correlated with both variables. Results indicated that self-compassion significantly mediates the relationship, acting as a psychological resource that buffers the impact of maladaptive cognitions on procrastinatory behavior. These findings suggest that addressing cognitive distortions while fostering self-compassion is essential for developing effective educational and psychological interventions. The study highlights the importance of emotion-regulation strategies in reducing academic delay among university students.