Blame Genetics for Procrastination

A new study has found that procrastination has genetic links. The research could help scientists understand the evolution of dawdling.

The study conducted by researchers at University of Colorado Boulder shows that the tendency to procrastinate has genetic roots. The research explains why some people are more likely than other to dawdle and why these people are more likely to make impulsive decisions too.

"Everyone procrastinates at least sometimes, but we wanted to explore why some people procrastinate more than others and why procrastinators seem more likely to make rash actions and act without thinking," explained psychological scientist and study author Daniel Gustavson of the University of Colorado Boulder, according to a news release. "Answering why that's the case would give us some interesting insights into what procrastination is, why it occurs, and how to minimize it."

The idea of humans wanting to be impulsive makes sense. In ancient times, our ancestors had to stay on high-alert all the time to avoid being eaten by a large predator.

According to researchers, procrastination might have more modern origins as humans now have to work on long-time goals, meaning that we have more time to get distracted.

Several studies have shown that procrastination in positively linked with impulsivity. In the present study, researchers wanted to see if genetics are involved with these two traits.

The study was based on data from 181 identical-twin pairs and 166 fraternal-twin pairs. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires that collected information about their ability to maintain life goals.

Researchers found that both procrastination and impulsivity share genetic links and that there are no genetic factors accountable for either traits. In other words, genes controlling impulsivity and the tendency to dawdle over tasks have same genetic foundation.

In the next part of the study, the team will try to find whether or not there is a genetic link between procrastination and other higher cognitive functions.

"Learning more about the underpinnings of procrastination may help develop interventions to prevent it, and help us overcome our ingrained tendencies to get distracted and lose track of work," Gustavson concluded, according to a news release.

The study is supported by National Institutes of Health and is published in the journal Psychological Science.

According to a report on nbcnews.com, procrastination hits Americans harder during the tax return season. About 40 to 45 million returns, or one in every four returns, get filled just two weeks prior to the April, 15 deadline.