The Relationship between Physical Activity and Academic Procrastination among College Students

Abstract

Physical activity and academic procrastination are two common behaviors many college students maintain and control. This study examined the relationship between students’ reported physical activity and academic procrastination. In addition, the study examined the relationships between intrinsic motivation for physical activity and engagement in physical activity and also intrinsic motivation for academic work and academic procrastination. A total of 115 undergraduate college students completed an electronic survey. Correlational analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between physical activity and academic procrastination. Results indicated that individuals who reported engaging in more physical activity tended to be less likely to report engaging in academic procrastination. Individuals who reported higher levels of intrinsic motivation for physical activity tended to report engaging in more physical activity. Also, individuals who reported higher levels of intrinsic motivation for academic work tended to report engaging in less academic procrastination. Independent samples t-tests were conducted to determine gender differences in physical activity and academic procrastination. Males and females did not differ in amount of physical activity or academic procrastination.