The Relationship between Fear of Failure and Academic Procrastination in College Students: A Systematic Literature Review
Year: 2026
Type: review
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Academic procrastination is a common problem experienced by college students and can lead to academic decline. One psychological factor believed to contribute to this behavior is fear of failure. This study aims to analyze the relationship between fear of failure and academic procrastination among college students based on a Systematic Literature Review. The article selection process was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eligible articles for analysis included those that discussed fear of failure and academic procrastination among college students, had full text, and were published between 2021 and 2025. A total of ten articles were identified. Analysis of the articles showed that of the ten reviewed papers, only one did not identify a statistically significant correlation between fear of failure and academic procrastination, while all others established a positive and statistically significant correlation. In other words, college students suffering from high levels of fear of failure are more likely to engage in academic procrastination as a way to avoid academic failure.
Authors: Mutia Azizah Al Adiba, Nova Lusiana
Institution: UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7224693449