Procrastination Patterns Among Criminology Students at City Malabon University: A Study on the Manana Habit and Its Impact on Academic Performance

Understanding the Cultural and Behavioral Dynamics Influencing Academic Success

Key Takeaways

The "manana habit" significantly influences time management and academic outcomes among criminology students.
Cultural, psychological, and environmental factors interplay to perpetuate procrastination behaviors.
Targeted interventions can mitigate procrastination, enhancing both academic performance and student well-being.

1. Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Procrastination, the intentional delay of tasks despite anticipating negative consequences, is a pervasive issue within academic environments. Among students, particularly those enrolled in demanding programs such as Criminology at City Malabon University, procrastination can have profound effects on both academic performance and professional preparedness. The phenomenon often manifests culturally as the "manana habit," a colloquial term derived from the Spanish word "mañana," meaning "tomorrow." This habit encapsulates a tendency to defer tasks with the promise of addressing them at a later time, reflecting deeper cultural and behavioral patterns that influence student conduct.

Criminology students at City Malabon University engage in rigorous coursework designed to prepare them for careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, and related fields. The intensive nature of the program requires efficient time management, self-regulation, and consistent academic efforts. However, the prevalence of the "manana habit" poses a significant challenge, potentially undermining these essential skills and impacting overall academic success.

Understanding the roots and ramifications of procrastination within this specific academic context is crucial. It not only sheds light on student behavior but also informs the development of effective interventions aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and fostering professional competencies necessary for future careers in criminology.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the growing recognition of procrastination as a critical issue in academic settings, there remains a lack of focused research examining its specific patterns and impacts among criminology students at City Malabon University. This study seeks to address the following research questions:

What are the common procrastination patterns observed among criminology students at City Malabon University?
How does the "manana habit" affect the academic performance of these students?
What psychological, cultural, and environmental factors contribute to the persistence of procrastination behaviors?
What interventions can be implemented to mitigate procrastination and improve academic outcomes among criminology students?

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this research is to investigate the patterns of procrastination, particularly focusing on the "manana habit," among criminology students at City Malabon University and to assess its impact on their academic performance. The specific objectives include:

To determine the prevalence and characteristics of procrastination among criminology students, with an emphasis on the "manana habit."
To examine the psychological, cultural, and situational factors contributing to procrastination within this student population.
To assess the impact of procrastination patterns on students' academic performance and overall educational experience.
To propose effective interventions and strategies aimed at reducing procrastination and enhancing academic success among criminology students.

1.4 Significance of the Study

This study holds significant value for multiple stakeholders within the educational ecosystem:

Academic Institutions: The findings can aid academic counselors, faculty members, and administrators in designing targeted programs and support systems to address procrastination, thereby improving student performance and retention rates.
Students: By identifying the underlying causes of procrastination, students can adopt more effective time management and self-regulation strategies, leading to enhanced academic outcomes and reduced stress levels.
Scholars and Researchers: This study contributes to the broader body of knowledge on procrastination, particularly within the context of criminology education and cultural influences, providing a foundation for future comparative studies and theoretical advancements.
Policy Makers: Insights from this research can inform educational policies aimed at fostering academic excellence and preparing students for professional challenges in the field of criminology.

1.5 Scope and Delimitations

The study is confined to criminology students enrolled at City Malabon University during the academic year 2024-2025. It specifically targets the "manana habit" as a cultural manifestation of procrastination and its direct impact on academic performance. While acknowledging that procrastination can be influenced by various factors such as technological distractions, external responsibilities, and socio-economic status, the research primarily focuses on observable procrastination behaviors and their immediate academic consequences.

A comprehensive analysis will be conducted using mixed-method approaches, including surveys and interviews, to gather quantitative and qualitative data. However, the study will not delve into the deep psychological underpinnings of procrastination, nor will it extend to other academic disciplines beyond criminology, limiting its generalizability to similar educational contexts.

Table 1. Scope of the Study

Aspect	Description
Population	Criminology students at City Malabon University
Time Frame	Academic year 2024-2025
Focus	Procrastination behaviors related to the "manana habit" and their impact on academic performance
Methods	Mixed-method research including surveys and interviews
Limitations	Excludes deep psychological analysis and generalization to other disciplines

1.6 Definition of Terms

For the purpose of this study, the following terms are defined as:

Procrastination: The deliberate delay or postponement of a task or decision, often resulting in negative consequences.
Manana Habit: A culturally ingrained behavior where tasks are habitually deferred to the next day, reflecting a broader tendency to postpone responsibilities.
Criminology Students: Individuals enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Criminology program at City Malabon University, focusing on the study of criminal behavior and the criminal justice system.
Academic Performance: The measurable outcomes of a student's academic activities, including grades, completion rates, and overall educational achievement.
Time Management: The ability to plan and control how one spends the available time effectively to increase productivity and achieve goals.
Self-Regulation: The ability to manage one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in pursuit of long-term goals.

1.7 Theoretical Framework

The study is anchored in established theories that elucidate the mechanisms behind procrastination and its effects on academic performance:

Temporal Motivation Theory (TMT): This theory posits that procrastination arises from a complex interplay between task value, expectancy of success, and the immediacy of reward or punishment. It suggests that delaying tasks happens when the perceived benefits of immediate gratification outweigh the long-term benefits of task completion.
Self-Regulation Theory: This framework emphasizes the role of self-control and goal-setting in managing procrastination. It explores how individuals regulate their behavior, emotions, and thoughts to achieve desired outcomes, highlighting the challenges faced when self-regulation mechanisms fail.
Procrastination Behavioral Models: These models focus on the specific behaviors and patterns associated with procrastination, examining how habitual delaying of tasks becomes ingrained and the factors that sustain this behavior over time.

By integrating these theories, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of procrastination among criminology students, considering both individual and cultural dimensions.

1.8 Organization of the Study

The research is systematically organized into five chapters to ensure a thorough exploration of the topic:

Chapter 1: Introduction – Provides the foundational background, problem statement, objectives, significance, scope, definitions, and theoretical framework guiding the study.
Chapter 2: Literature Review – Reviews existing research on procrastination, the "manana habit," and their impacts on academic performance, establishing the study's context within the broader scholarly landscape.
Chapter 3: Methodology – Details the research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and analytical approaches employed to investigate the research questions.
Chapter 4: Results and Discussion – Presents the findings derived from the data analysis, interpreting the results in relation to the research objectives and theoretical framework.
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations – Summarizes the key findings, discusses their implications, and offers recommendations for future research and practical interventions to address procrastination among criminology students.

Conclusion

This introductory chapter has laid the groundwork for an in-depth exploration of procrastination patterns, particularly the "manana habit," among criminology students at City Malabon University. By identifying the prevalence, underlying factors, and impacts of procrastination on academic performance, the study aims to contribute valuable insights into student behavior and academic challenges within this specific educational context. The subsequent chapters will build upon this foundation, delving deeper into existing literature, detailing the research methodology, presenting findings, and discussing actionable strategies to mitigate procrastination and enhance academic success.

References

City of Malabon University - Bachelor of Science in Criminology
Find University - Criminology Program Details
Course Finder - BS in Criminology Details
Coursesidekick - Procrastination Study
Academia.edu - Impacts of Manana Habit Study
Scribd - Manana Habit Effects Study