McKinney has developed a workshop on procrastination to help doctoral students finish their thesis. If you are a procrastinator, according to clinical psychologist Mary McKinney, the dissertation process hits all your possible weak spots. But a dissertation or thesis can't be accomplished with a few all-nighters. It takes sustained work and the ability to break the work down into sub-projects. Often doctoral candidates are surprised by the loneliness of the dissertation process, McKinney notes.
Dissertations pose special psychological problems for students.
Breaking down the whole project into small units that won't be as overwhelming. Keeping track of the hours spent on the project. Charting progress and giving rewards for accomplishments, even small ones. Procrastinators are encouraged to attend the first two sessions, then will be asked to make a commitment to attend the rest of the sessions. McKinney urges those who may be interested to register early by calling 764-3471.