Self-handicapping

Cyclical depiction of reinforcement in self-handicapping

Self-handicapping is a cognitive strategy by which people avoid effort in the hopes of keeping potential failure from hurting self-esteem.[1] It was first theorized by Edward E. Jones and Steven Berglas,[2] according to whom self-handicaps are obstacles created, or claimed, by the individual in anticipation of failing performance.[3]

Self-handicapping can be seen as a method of preserving self-esteem but it can also be used for self-enhancement and to manage the impressions of others.[4] This conservation or augmentation of self-esteem is due to changes in causal attributions or the attributions for success and failure that self-handicapping affords. There are two methods that people use to self-handicap: behavioral and claimed self-handicaps. People withdraw effort or create obstacles to successes so they can maintain public and private self-images of competence.

Self-handicapping is a widespread behavior amongst humans that has been observed in a variety of cultures and geographic areas. For instance, students frequently participate in self-handicapping behavior to avoid feeling bad about themselves if they do not perform well in class. Self-handicapping behavior has also been observed in the business world. The effects of self-handicapping can be both large and small and found in virtually any environment wherein people are expected to perform.

  1. ^ Kolditz, T. A.; Arkin, R. M. (1982). "An impression management interpretation of the self-handicapping strategy". Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 43 (3): 492–502. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.43.3.492.
  2. ^ Jones, E. E.; Berglas, S. (1978). "Control of attributions about the self through self-handicapping strategies: The appeal of alcohol and the role of underachievement". Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. 4 (2): 200–206. doi:10.1177/014616727800400205. S2CID 146420423.
  3. ^ Feick, D.L., & Rhodewalt, F. (1997). The Double-Edged Sword of Self-Handicapping: Discounting, Augmentation, and the Protection and Enhancement of Self-Esteem. Motivation and Emotion, Vol. 21, No. 2.
  4. ^ Rhodewalt, F., & Vohs, K. D. (2005). Defensive strategies, motivation, and the self. In A. Elliot & C. Dweck (Eds.). Handbook of competence and motivation(pp. 548-565). New York: Guilford Press.