Procrastination Scale

by Lay, C. (1986). At last, my research article on procrastination. Journal of Research in Personality, 20, 474-495.

Instructions: people may use the following statements to describe themselves. For each statement, decide whether the statement is uncharacteristic or characteristic of you using the scale below it.

  1. I often find myself performing tasks that I had intended to do days before.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  2. I often miss concerts, sporting events, or the like because I don’t get around to buying tickets on time.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  3. When planning a party, I make the necessary arrangements well in advance.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  4. When it is time to get up in the morning, I most often get right out of bed.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  5. A letter may sit for days after I write it before mailing it.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  6. I generally return phone calls promptly.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  7. Even with jobs that require little else except sitting down and doing them, I find they seldom get done for days.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  8. I usually make decisions as soon as possible.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  9. I generally delay before starting on work I have to do.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  10. When travelling, I usually have to rush in preparing to arrive at the airport or station at the appropriate time.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  11. When preparing to go out, I am seldom caught having to do something at the last minute.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  12. In preparing for some deadline, I often waste time by doing other things.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  13. If a bill for a small amount comes, I pay it right away.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  14. I usually return an RVSP request very shortly after receiving the invitation.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  15. I often have a task finished sooner than necessary.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  16. I always seem to end up shopping for birthday or Christmas gifts at the last minute.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  17. I I usually buy even an essential item at the last minute.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  18. I usually accomplish all the things I plan to do in a day.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  19. I am continually saying "I'll do it tomorrow".
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic


  20. I usually take care of all the tasks I have to do before I settle down and relax for the evening.
    Extremely Uncharacteristic Moderately Uncharacteristic Neutral Moderately Characteristic Extremely Characteristic