Examining brain changes after cognitive behavior therapy for procrastination

Neural Changes Following Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for Procrastination: An fMRI and EEG Randomized Controlled Trial of Two CBT Protocols

This study is testing two different online therapy programs to help people stop procrastinating and see how these programs change their brains.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 276 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 26 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences (other gov)
• Locations: 1 site (Warsaw)
• Trial ID: NCT06357364 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness and neural changes resulting from two different cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) protocols for procrastination, alongside a wait-list control group. The interventions will be conducted online in group settings and will include psychoeducation and cognitive modules focused on identifying and modifying dysfunctional thoughts related to procrastination. The first protocol emphasizes timely initiation and realistic planning, while the second protocol incorporates working time restrictions. Participants will be assessed on procrastination, depression, and anxiety before and after the interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Bachelor's and Master's university students who struggle with chronic and severe procrastination.

Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric disorders or those currently receiving other forms of psychotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective online CBT strategies to help individuals overcome procrastination and improve their mental well-being.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with CBT approaches for procrastination, suggesting potential success for this intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Bachelor's and Master's university students
* Self-reported primary difficulties related to chronic and severe procrastination
* Serious procrastination problem lasting for at least one year as confirmed during clinical interview
* Having a postponed/procrastinated project to complete in the course of therapy
* Willing to participate in the study
* Fluent in Polish language
* Computer access and stable Internet connection

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current participation in other psychotherapy
* Use of psychiatric medication during the last 12 weeks
* Severe anxiety or affective disorders or any other severe psychiatric disorders that require other types of specialized care and are primary to procrastination problem (e.g. major depressive episode, social phobia, PTSD, etc.)
* Active suicidality
* Psychosis, bipolar disorder
* Alcohol or substance dependence
* Severe personality disorders (with the exclusion of avoidant, dependent and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders)
* For Warsaw participants: contradictions for fMRI measurement (metal elements in the body, claustrophobia, neurological conditions, pregnancy etc), non right-handedness.
* For Poznań participants: neurological conditions (e.g. epilepsy)

Where this trial is running

Warsaw

• Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences — Warsaw, Poland (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Marek Wypych, PhD, DSc — Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences
• Study coordinator: Marek Wypych, PhD, DSc

Conditions: Procrastination