How to treat student procrastination
Mar 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhu Gang
Introduction
It is advisable not to overly focus on students' procrastination. Allow them to make their own decisions about their tasks, and let them bear the consequences if procrastination leads to negative outcomes, so they can recognize its drawbacks and gradually improve. Family members should adjust their communication style—for example, by positively noting who acted quickly today or who was faster than yesterday—providing positive psychological cues and appropriate encouragement to help develop habits of timeliness. Additionally, psychological counseling can be beneficial in addressing underlying emotional issues and alleviating symptoms.
Procrastination in students is recommended to be treated through methods such as avoiding excessive focus, changing communication styles, and psychological therapy.
1. Avoid Excessive Focus
It is advised not to overly focus on a student's procrastination in daily life. Allow the student to make their own decisions and take responsibility for their actions. If consequences arise due to procrastination, let the child bear them independently, helping the child recognize the negative outcomes and thereby improving procrastinating behaviors.
2. Change Communication Style
Family members can appropriately adjust their way of speaking—for example, by noting who moved faster today or how today’s pace improved compared to yesterday—providing positive psychological cues. Appropriately encouraging and motivating the child can help develop habits of timely action and reduce procrastination.
3. Psychological Therapy
If the above methods fail to bring improvement, seek professional psychological counseling at a specialized mental health facility to help relieve psychological stress and alleviate symptoms.
In addition, modifying perfectionistic tendencies may also help alleviate procrastination. It is recommended that individuals seek timely treatment to prevent the condition from developing into depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders.
