Motivated Procrastination

CESifo 2026 Open access

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Authors: Charlotte Cordes, Jana Friedrichsen, Simeon Schudy
DOI: 10.65864/i9vtxde0mm
Cited by: 4
References: 80

Abstract

In a longitudinal experiment over four weeks, individuals must complete a cumbersome task of unknown length and receive noisy signals about their assigned workload. Varying scope for motivated memory results in more optimistic beliefs among workers who receive negative signals, but not among those who receive positive ones. This suppression of negative news through motivated memory causes individuals to defer more work to the future.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Perfectionism Procrastination Anxiety Studies Financial Literacy Pension Retirement Analysis Decision-Making and Behavioral Economics

Publication details

Journal / source
CESifo
Publisher
CESifo
Publication date
13 June 2026
Language
EN