Publication: The perception of procrastination and its influence on creativity
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Type
Thesis
Degree
BA
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Published Version
Abstract
This thesis explores procrastination not as a behavioural flaw but as a complex, emotional, and often
misunderstood experience, particularly within creative contexts. While traditional literature frames pro-
crastination through metaphors of clocks, to-do lists, and laziness, this study challenges such portrayals
by studying its psychological, emotional, and strategic elements. Drawing from academic studies, histor-
ical accounts, and psychoanalytic perspectives, the thesis reframes procrastination as a multidimensional
behaviour influenced by fear of failure, perfectionism, and non-linear thinking. The study uses three
surveys: an institutional dataset from a UK design school, an independent online questionnaire, and a
handwritten-response survey.
The research highlights how creative students perceive procrastination as both a cause of stress and a
tool of incubation. Responses highlighted contradictions: procrastination was described as frustrating but
necessary, paralysing yet productive. These findings, combined with recent research on active procrasti-
nation, incubation, and self-efficacy, show that delay can sometimes foster creative outcomes under the
right psychological conditions.
“What Does Procrastination Mean?”, the design project that goes with it, offers a visually reflecting
alternative to common media representations. The book is presented in a leporello format and includes
handwritten reflections, illustrations, and personal metaphors. Rather than providing solutions or mo-
tivational advice, it invites readers to understand procrastination and encourages more nuanced discus-
sions about the role of delay in the creative process.