Abstract:

Objective To explore the influence of trait anxiety on choice deferral and the moderating role of information overload perception. Methods A total of 724 college students from two universities in Guizhou Province from September to December 2023 were selected as the survey subjects by convenience sampling method. General situation questionnaire，trait anxiety scale，information overload perception scale and choice deferral questionnaire were used to investigate，and the data were analyzed. Results The average scores of trait anxiety，information overload perception and choice deferral among 724 college students from two universities in Guizhou Province were （2.13±0.38），（1.51±0.54） and （4.43±1.57）points，respectively. Trait anxiety was positively correlated with choice deferral（r=0.225，P<0.01），information overload perception was positively correlated with choice deferral（r=0.111，P<0.01）. Trait anxiety could positively predict individuals' tendency towards choice deferral（β=0.230，P<0.01），and information overload perception negatively moderated the effect of trait anxiety on delay choice（β=-2.996，P<0.01）. Conclusion Trait anxiety can affect individuals' tendency to delay choice，and this influence is negatively regulated by information overload perception，that is，individuals with high trait anxiety have a stronger tendency to delay choice if they have a lower perception of information overload.

Key words: Trait anxiety, Information overload perception, Choice deferral