Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although studies indicate that chronotype might be correlated with procrastination, the specific mechanism of that correlation has not been fully discussed. METHODS: This study investigated the associations of future self-continuity and self-control with the relationship between chronotype and academic procrastination by conducting a questionnaire survey of 774 college students. RESULTS: A negative correlation was observed between chronotype and academic procrastination, and analyses suggested that future self-continuity and self-control may serve as statistical mediators, both individually and as a chain of mediation. CONCLUSIONS: The present study enriches and deepens our understanding of the potential mechanisms underlying the association between chronotype and academic procrastination, and provides a novel perspective that may inform approaches to the prevention and intervention of academic procrastination. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-025-03884-6.