Why do humans procrastinate? An interpretation based on a multi-modal and multi-omics perspective

doi:10.3724/SP.J.1042.2025.0520

Abstract

Abstract:

Procrastination is a cross-culturally prevalent problematic behavior that significantly impacts learning, work, daily life, emotions, and overall well-being. While existing literature has explored its causes and influencing factors, a comprehensive understanding of procrastination’s etiology remains elusive. This paper adopts a multi-modal, multi-omics perspective to systematically review and analyze the cognitive mechanisms, neural foundations, genetic bases, and potential metabolic underpinnings of procrastination. We propose an integrated theoretical framework incorporating cognitive-neurological-genetic-microbial- metabolic based on it, aiming to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying procrastination and provide a more comprehensive view of its occurrence, development, and formation. Future research should enrich molecular genetic, metabolic, and microbiome studies of procrastination, further integrate multi-modal and multi-omics research, and explore the developmental mechanisms of procrastination from a longitudinal perspective. These efforts will facilitate early detection, prevention, and precise intervention strategies for procrastination behavior.

Key words: procrastination, multi-modal and multi-omics, cognitive-neurological-genetic-microbial-metabolic, theoretical framework

CLC Number:

B848

XIAO Yao, WANG Xueke, FENG Tingyong. Why do humans procrastinate? An interpretation based on a multi-modal and multi-omics perspective[J]. Advances in Psychological Science, 2025, 33(3): 520-536.

Figures/Tables 3

References 95

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