Abstract

Academic procrastination is a pervasive problem that affects students' performance and well-being worldwide. It is the deliberate postponement of academic assignments in spite of possible adverse outcomes. With an emphasis on trends, significant figures, and topic clusters, this bibliometric analysis looks at the research landscape of academic procrastination and its impact on academic performance from 2015 to 2024. A systematic methodology was used to assess 222 peer-reviewed papers that were included in the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). The results demonstrate the various characteristics of procrastination by relating them to academic performance, mental health, and self-regulation. Procrastination is a complicated research issue, as evidenced by the thematic clusters identified by the analysis, which include self-efficacy, psychological aspects, academic accomplishment, performance regulation, and personality models. The study has an international and multidisciplinary approach, with noteworthy contributions from several nations and prestigious scholarly publications. Critical theoretical implications are emphasized, such as the necessity of integrated models that consider the behavioural, psychological, and environmental aspects of procrastination. Implications for practice include creating self-regulation-enhancing interventions, enhancing mental health support networks, and assisting students in effectively managing procrastination through the use of digital resources. By highlighting important gaps and new developments in the field, this study provides a thorough road map for further research. It advances knowledge and helps create focused techniques to lessen the detrimental impacts of procrastination on students' academic performance and well-being. The creation of evidence-based strategies to combat procrastination in educational settings and elsewhere is ultimately supported by this investigation. This research aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by examining the mental health impacts of academic procrastination, a global issue affecting student well-being. It highlights the need for interventions to reduce stress, build resilience, and enhance self-regulation. The findings advocate for evidence-based strategies and interdisciplinary approaches to mitigate procrastination’s effects, fostering environments that support well-being and academic success.