The Role of Escapism and Overthinking in Procrastination among Individuals with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)

Abstract

This study investigates how escapism and over thinking contribute to procrastination among individuals with substance use disorder (SUDs). To explore that how people use escapism to avoid emotional discomfort and how over thinking leads to indecision and delay, this research aims to uncover the deeper psychological roots of procrastination. The Quantitative correlational research design has been utilized to explore the variables of current study. The sample size was determined using G*Power. The sample consisted of (N=100) Male Adults. Participants were included using a strategic method Purposive sampling. The mean age of the participants was 32 (ranging from 18-65) years. The sample has been recruited from different rehabilitation centres in Gujranwala city, Pakistan. Data has been gathered while using "the demographic information sheet" to gather personal information, General Procrastination Scale (GPS), Rumination Response Scale (RRS-10) and Brief COPE Inventory (Sub scales). The results of the study indicated moderate to high levels of procrastination, over thinking and escapism among individuals with SUDs. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive association between procrastination and over thinking (r= .32, p= .001), procrastination and escapism (r= .38, p=.002) and between overthinking and escapism (r= .55, p= 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that both over thinking (β = .30, p = .002) and escapism (β = .29, p = .002) significantly predicted procrastination, accounting for 18.4% of the total variance (R² = .184). These findings shows that patterns like over thinking and avoiding problems play a big role in individuals with substance use disorders tend to procrastinate.

Key Words: Escapism, Procrastination, Overthinking & Substance Use Disorders