CompletedNot Applicable

Overcoming Procrastination in Adults: A Waitlist-Controlled Trial of One-to-One Online Coaching With Trained Volunteers

United Kingdom117 participantsStarted 2025-01-23

Plain-language summary

The goals of this clinical trial are to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a one-to-one, layperson-delivered, online Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) intervention for adults aged 18 to 64 experiencing severe procrastination but without moderate-to-severe anxiety or depression. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can a layperson-delivered, online MI and CBT intervention effectively reduce procrastination compared to a waitlist control group? * Can the intervention effectively improve self-efficacy and life satisfaction? * Are the effects of the intervention maintained one month after completion? Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either the Intervention group or the Waitlist Control group, with baseline procrastination, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction measured beforehand. Participants in the intervention group will attend four weekly 60-minute online sessions delivered by trained lay coaches supervised by experienced specialists. Sessions will focus on goal-setting, identifying triggers, improving time management, and creating long-term plans to sustain progress. At the end of the intervention, 12 participants will be interviewed to share their experiences. Participants in the waitlist control group will continue their usual activities for four weeks and will receive the same intervention after completing the study assessments. This group will serve as a comparison to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 64 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 to 64. * Access to a computer or mobile device with internet connectivity. * Ability to understand and speak English. * IPS score ≥ 32 to confirm severe procrastination. * PHQ-9 score \< 15 to exclude moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. * GAD-7 score \< 12 to exclude moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms. Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive impairments, significant health conditions or disabilities affecting the ability to provide consent and fully participate. * Psychiatric diagnoses requiring specialist care (e.g., schizophrenia, eating disorders, substance misuse). Such participants will be signposted to relevant local services if needed.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Irrational Procrastination Scale (IPS)

Timeframe: From enrolment to one-month follow-up (8 weeks in total).

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06814197

SponsorOvercome

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-05-27

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Procrastination trials