It’s bedtime! Investigating the Effect of a Motivational Intervention based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour on Bedtime Procrastination

Abstract

Background. Bedtime procrastination, delaying going to bed on time for no reason, is an increasingly common problem in today’s world. The negative consequences of bedtime procrastination on both mental and physical health are widespread which calls for effective and evidence-based interventions. Objective. This study investigated an intervention based on the components of the theory of Planned Behaviour (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, intentions) (Ajzen, 1991), that targeted the motivational phase of bedtime procrastination behaviour. Method. This quantitative, pre-post design study measured TPB variables and bedtime procrastination levels before and after the intervention, which was delivered to participants via email. Results. Participant bedtime procrastination levels, measured by the Bedtime Procrastination Scale (Kroese et al., 2014), were significantly improved following this intervention, however some TPB variables remained unchanged (subjective norms and perceived behavioural control). Conclusions. The present study is the first study to apply the TPB to an intervention targeting bedtime procrastination and provides important baseline evidence for future research.