Do Perceptions of Remaining Life Shape Procrastination? Evidence from Latent Class and Bayesian Models

procrastination
ageing
life expectancy
bayesian

Monaghan, C, Gartlan, C, de Andrade Moral, R, & McHugh Power, J. Do Perceptions of Remaining Life Shape Procrastination? Evidence from Latent Class and Bayesian Models.

Authors
Affiliations

Cormac Monaghan

Hamilton Institute, Maynooth University

Department of Psychology, Maynooth University

Ciarán Gartlan

Department of Psychology, Maynooth University

Rafael de Andrade Moral

Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Maynooth University

Joanna McHugh Power

Department of Psychology, Maynooth University

Published

March 2026

Abstract

Procrastination is linked to temporal orientation, with stronger future orientation typically associated with lower procrastination. However, it remains unclear whether subjective remaining life is associated with procrastination. This study examined associations between temporal orientation, subjective remaining life, and procrastination in a sample of 140 adults aged 18–77. Latent class analysis identified two temporal profiles: a high future orientation group (46.43%) and a neutral orientation group (53.37%). Bayesian regression indicated that higher subjective remaining life was likely associated with greater procrastination, although the effect was modest. In contrast, future orientation showed a clear negative association with procrastination. These findings suggest that subjective remaining life may function as a contextual factor, whereas temporal orientation represents a more robust correlate of procrastination.