Neural Changes Following 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

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of and the neural changes following two cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) protocols for procrastination with a wait-list control group. The interventions will be delivered online in group settings. Both protocols include identical psychoeducation and cognitive modules aiming at identification and modification of dysfunctional automatic thoughts related to procrastination but will differ in the behavioral modules. The behavioral module in the first protocol is focused on timely beginning and realistic planning. The second protocol implements working time restriction. The wait-list control group will receive one of the CBT protocols after a waiting period that will last as long as the CBT intervention and the assessments performed directly after treatment. It is assumed that the interventions will be superior to the wait-list control. Primary (procrastination) and secondary (depression and anxiety) measures will be collected prior to and after the interventions (or waiting period in the wait-list group) and after 6 months in the two active condition groups. Additionally, neuroimaging measurements will be conducted before and after the interventions (or waiting period in the wait-list group). Approximately half of the participants will undergo functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), and another half will undergo electroencephalography (EEG). Both methods are aimed at exploring neural correlates of the expected improvements in participants' self-regulation abilities.

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)