Dental fear is the primary cause of delayed defearntal treatment among patients, and this delay further exacerbates dental fear, perpetuating the cycle of postponed care. Previous studies have treated procrastination as a singular pathological behavior—an aimless, impulsive, and irrational avoidance of negative emotions—significantly associated with high levels of dental fear, low self-efficacy, and high neuroticism. In reality, active procrastination constitutes a strategic form of delay. Active procrastination involves consciously scheduling tasks, maintaining confidence in one's ability to complete them despite pressure, and avoiding actions that would objectively worsen the situation without offering any positive benefits. Distinguishing between active and passive procrastination is essential in this study. This distinction suggests that clinical paradigms should shift from single-focused treatments targeting procrastination toward individualized therapies addressing its underlying mechanisms. Only then can the vicious cycle of fear-treatment procratination be broken.
Research Article
Open Access