Wang, S., Zhou, Y., Yu, S., Ran, L., Liu, X., & Chen, Y. (2015). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy as treatments for academic procrastination: a randomized controlled group session. Research on Social Work Practice, 1049731515577890. doi: 10.1177/1049731515577890
Objective: This study tested the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), compared with Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in alleviating academic procrastination.
Method: A total of 60 (53.3% male) undergraduates suffering from academic procrastination were randomly assigned to two treatment groups (ACT and CBT) and a control group. The procrastination symptoms and related psychological mechanisms were assessed immediately after the closure of treatment and at 3-month follow-up (FU).
Results: Both therapies showed remarkable short-term effects in decreasing procrastination, but ACT had a better long-term effect. Participants achieved self-esteem enhancement through treatment of both ACT and CBT. While ACT significantly decreased negative affect and improved neuroticism, CBT had a stronger effect on time management.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that both CBT and ACT are effective interventions for procrastinators but may have different therapeutic mechanisms.