Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of self-esteem, intrinsic motivation, academic procrastination, delays in exam preparation, and grades on academic cheating of college students. Previous studies have not explored the relationship between academic procrastination, self-esteem, and academic cheating. A questionnaire survey was administered to 307 female Japanese undergraduate students (mean age 20.3 years; standard deviation 1.06 years). A path analysis was conducted, resulting in the following findings. First, academic cheating among students decreased with increase in grades received. Second, reduced intrinsic motivation both directly and indirectly encouraged academic procrastination, leading to subsequent delays in exam preparation. Lastly, self-esteem did not have a direct impact, but may have promoted academic misconduct by encouraging students to indulge in academic procrastination and subsequently delayed exam preparation. The results of this study were interpreted in comparison with existing literature, and the way forward has been discussed.
https://ror.org/03aet8853 
