A clinical psychologist has said that what parents may see as laziness or procrastination in their teenagers could actually be a sign of a more serious mental or physical health issue
Parents are being warned not to dismiss what might just seem like typical teen laziness – as it could be a sign of far deeper health issues.
Fiona Yassin, leading expert and chief at The Wave Clinic, has recently brought attention to the intricate reasons behind why teenagers put things off. She’s pointed out new studies that show it could be due to serious psychological issues. Shedding light on this crucial subject, she has said: “Procrastinating behaviour can be a warning sign to parents that their child is suffering with low self-esteem.”
The latest investigations have dug up a mutual link between procrastination and self-doubt, with each problem making the other worse. This troubling cycle could ensnare young people in a damaging pattern, reports the Express. Delving deeper, Yassin disclosed: “Adolescents with low self-esteem may have less belief in their ability to complete a task well, causing them to avoid it. Lower motivation and self-expectation traits connected to low self-esteem may also lead to procrastination.”
And adding to this concern, she mentioned: “On the other hand, procrastination can also lead to low self-esteem among adolescents. Procrastination is associated with poorer academic performance which can make young people feel less good about themselves.” Yassin has raised a red flag that constantly delaying tasks, particularly during school hours, could take a toll on teenagers’ mental and physical health, causing exhaustion, guilt, and worry. She highlighted: “These negative emotions might further harm a young person’s self-esteem, reinforcing a vicious cycle of low self-esteem and procrastination.”
Parenting behaviours are crucial too, with Yassin cautioning against setting the bar too high or being overly critical of children’s achievements as it may lead to a drive for perfectionism in them. The pursuit of perfection might cause kids to fear not meeting these tough standards, resulting in them putting off their duties, which then increases their stress and anxiety levels.
Various studies indicate that authoritarian parenting styles may contribute to a child’s tendency to procrastinate, while other research suggests a link between insecurity in relationships, low self-confidence, and procrastination habits. Additionally, Yassin outlined that individuals who experience insecure attachments often face low self-esteem and fears about underperformance or making mistakes that cause them to sidestep tasks. She warns: “They may also see tasks relating to themselves (such as schoolwork) as unimportant and de-prioritise them.”
Experts are dishing out advice for mums and dads anxious about their kids dragging their heels, with the approaches being tailored to each case. Yassin has mentioned common tactics like cognitive behavioural techniques or acceptance-commitment treatment, to stop those bad habits in their tracks.
She remarked: “Sometimes procrastination is driven by ongoing parental pressure or expectations that can induce anxiety and stress. In these instances, family therapy and other interventions can aid parents and youngsters in establishing healthy behavioural dynamics that foster high self-esteem and self-efficacy. Therapeutic methods including group therapy sessions can also tackle insecure attachment styles and childhood experiences that might contribute to procrastination.”
