with a distant deadline, procrastinators report significantly less stress and physical illness than do non-procrastinators. however, as the deadline approaches, this relationship is reversed. procrastinators report more stress, more symptoms of physical illness, and more medical visits, to the extent that, overall, procrastinators suffer more stress and health problems. procrastination also has the ability to increase perfectionism and neuroticism, while decreasing conscientiousness and optimism.