Predicting Procrastination in Nurses: The Role of Personality Traits and Psychological Well-being

Objective — This study aimed to predict procrastination based on personality traits and psychological well-being among nurses in Shiraz, Iran. Methods — The study employed a correlational approach based on descriptive analytics methodology. The statistical population included all nurses (n=163) in Iran Naja and Moslemin hospitals in Shiraz, Iran, in 2024-2025. Due to population limitations, the sample size was determined using a census method, taking into account inclusion criteria and potential exclusion from the study, resulting in a final sample of 140 nurses. Participants completed the Procrastination Scale, the NEO Personality Inventory, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis and simultaneous regression analysis using SPSS-28. Results — The results revealed a significant association between personality traits and nurses’ procrastination (p=0.001). Furthermore, a significant inverse association was observed between psychological well-being and procrastination (p=0.001). The regression model revealed that 27.5% of the variance in nurses’ procrastination was explained by personality traits, with conscientiousness and neuroticism playing the most significant roles in predicting procrastination. Furthermore, the regression model revealed that 31.3% of the variance in procrastination was explained by aspects of psychological well-being, with purpose in life, environmental mastery, and personal growth having the greatest impact on predicting procrastination. Conclusion — Given the significant role of personality traits and psychological well-being in predicting nurses’ procrastination, it is crucial for hospital managers and supervisors to consider these issues when developing continuing education and training programs for nurses. This approach could improve nurse productivity and reduce procrastination in hospitals.