Always putting things off until the last minute? This test looks at 9 aspects of procrastination to help you understand whether it is a passing habit or a pattern worth addressing.

Why do we put things off?

Procrastination isn't laziness — it's an emotion regulation problem. We avoid tasks that trigger negative feelings (boredom, anxiety, self-doubt) in favor of short-term mood repair.

The Pure Procrastination Scale (PPS) measures three aspects of procrastination: the tendency to delay, the reasons for delaying, and the consequences of delay.

What the scores mean

  • 1–20: Rarely procrastinates
  • 21–40: Moderate procrastination
  • 41–60: Chronic procrastination

About this measure

Piers Steel developed the PPS based on his research into the nature of procrastination. His meta-analyses found that procrastination is primarily driven by:

  • Task aversiveness (how unpleasant the task feels)
  • Impulsiveness (sensitivity to immediate rewards)
  • Distractibility (ability to stay focused)
  • Expectancy (belief that you can succeed)
Research shows that procrastination is associated with lower well-being, poorer health, and reduced academic and work performance. But it's also changeable — strategies like breaking tasks into smaller steps, reducing distractions, and addressing the underlying emotions can help.

Result Interpretation

After completing the 20 questions, you'll receive an immediate, detailed report with:

  • Your score — calculated automatically based on your responses
  • Score interpretation — what your score means in practical terms
  • Context — how your results compare to general population norms where available

All results are displayed on screen. No account or login needed.