Program Overview

Introduction to the University Program

The University College Dublin (UCD) offers a unique program focused on Using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy to Reduce Academic Procrastination. This initiative is designed to enhance student success by providing free ACT-based workshops and online workbooks.

Program Overview

Background

Academic procrastination is a common issue affecting 50-95% of students, leading to diminished well-being, poor quality of life, high stress, poor university performance, and university dropout. While time management strategies can have a positive impact, they are often insufficient for lasting change. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers an alternative approach by empowering individuals to pursue meaningful life goals, enhancing psychological flexibility, and decreasing experiential avoidance.

Goals

The aims of this initiative are to:

• Provide UCD students with workshops and workbooks evidenced to reduce academic procrastination.
• Evaluate students' experiences, tailoring the content according to student feedback.
• Distribute tailored workshop protocols and workbooks widely.
• Disseminate findings on the feasibility and effectiveness of these activities.

The Innovative Approach

Workshops & Workbooks

Students from various disciplines are invited to complete online workbooks and/or attend in-person workshops designed using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques. These activities encourage students to take charge of their learning and reduce academic procrastination by enhancing psychological flexibility.

Student Feedback

Students are invited to complete questionnaires pre and post-workbook completion/workshop attendance to ascertain their experience and inform future interventions.

YouTube Series

A series of YouTube videos, 'Escape Procrasti-nation', guides viewers through tailored Acceptance and Commitment Therapy exercises to reduce academic procrastination.

Results

Students responded favourably to the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy exercises, finding them useful and easy to employ in daily life. The workshops and workbooks positively impacted academic procrastination and well-being, with students requesting similar events and materials in the future.

Materials

• ACT for Procrastination Workshop Protocol
• ACT for Procrastination Online Workbook
• ACT for Procrastination YouTube Series

Conclusion

The program offers a unique approach to addressing academic procrastination through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. By providing workshops, workbooks, and online resources, it aims to enhance student success and well-being, contributing to a more supportive and effective learning environment.