Simone Lawson
Self-handicapping is a cognitive strategy employed by individuals to protect their self-esteem and avoid feelings of inadequacy. It involves creating obstacles and excuses to shift blame for potential failures onto external factors, while still allowing internalization of success. This phenomenon, observed across various cultures and domains, can manifest in different ways, such as behavioural handicaps or claimed self-handicaps. However, setting challenging yet realistic goals is not considered a self-handicapping strategy as it contradicts the fundamental nature of self-handicapping, which involves sabotaging one's chances of success.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Setting challenging but realistic goals | Does not constitute self-handicapping |
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What You'll Learn
- Self-handicapping is a cognitive strategy
- It was first theorised by Edward E. Jones and Steven Berglas
- Self-handicaps are obstacles created or claimed by the individual
- Self-handicapping can be used for self-enhancement and to manage the impressions of others
- There are two types: behavioural and claimed self-handicaps
Self-handicapping is a cognitive strategy
The theory of self-handicapping was first proposed by Edward E. Jones and Steven Berglas, who defined it as the creation or claiming of obstacles by an individual in anticipation of failing performance. Essentially, people engage in self-handicapping to avoid taking responsibility for their failures and to protect their self-image. For example, a student who does not study for an important exam may blame their poor performance on a lack of sleep or other external factors, rather than their own lack of ability. Similarly, an athlete who refuses to practice may attribute their loss to factors such as fatigue or injury, instead of their own incompetence.
There are two main types of self-handicapping: behavioural handicaps and claimed handicaps. Behavioural handicaps involve actions that make a task harder, such as procrastination, alcohol consumption, or risky behaviours. Claimed handicaps, on the other hand, involve justifying potential failures in advance by stating that an obstacle to performance exists. For instance, an individual may claim physical symptoms or blame others for their lack of preparation.
Self-handicapping can have negative consequences, including reduced motivation and success. It can also hinder personal growth by preventing individuals from learning from their failures and improving their abilities. Recognising this tendency to self-handicap is the first step towards overcoming it. Developing a growth mindset, building self-efficacy, and increasing self-compassion are some strategies that may help reduce self-handicapping behaviours.
While self-handicapping may provide temporary relief from the fear of failure, it is important to address this cognitive strategy to achieve long-term success and personal development.
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It was first theorised by Edward E. Jones and Steven Berglas
Self-handicapping is a cognitive strategy employed by people to avoid putting in effort, in hopes that their self-esteem will remain unaffected by potential failure. It was first theorised by Edward E. Jones and Steven Berglas, who defined self-handicaps as obstacles created or claimed by individuals in anticipation of failing performance. Their theory suggests that self-handicapping serves as a method of preserving self-esteem, enhancing it, and managing the impressions of others.
Jones and Berglas' theory of self-handicapping was introduced in a 1978 study that involved randomly assigning students to complete anagrams, some of which were unsolvable. The study explored the concept of self-serving bias, where individuals claim credit for success but attribute failure to external factors. This phenomenon was observed in the context of the anagram task, with students blaming their inability to solve unsolvable anagrams on external factors such as the difficulty of the task, rather than their own abilities.
The researchers' findings highlighted the tendency for individuals to protect their self-esteem by creating excuses or obstacles that justify poor performance. This behaviour, known as self-handicapping, involves two primary methods: behavioural handicapping and claimed self-handicapping. In behavioural handicapping, individuals actively create obstacles to their performance, such as substance abuse or procrastination, allowing them to attribute failure to these external factors rather than their own abilities.
On the other hand, claimed self-handicapping involves individuals making justifications for potential failures in advance. They do so by stating that obstacles to their performance exist, even if they haven't actively created them. For example, an individual might declare physical symptoms or external circumstances as reasons for their anticipated failure. By engaging in self-handicapping behaviours, individuals aim to protect their self-esteem and reduce unpleasant emotions associated with failure.
Jones and Berglas' theory of self-handicapping has provided valuable insights into human behaviour and our tendency to externalise failures while internalise successes. Their work has contributed to a better understanding of the complex dynamics between self-esteem, personal responsibility, and the strategies individuals employ to manage their self-image.
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Self-handicaps are obstacles created or claimed by the individual
Self-handicapping is a cognitive strategy employed by individuals to protect their self-esteem and avoid feelings of inadequacy. It involves creating or claiming obstacles to justify potential failures and externalize their causes, thereby preserving a positive self-image. This phenomenon was first described by researchers Edward E. Jones and Steven Berglas in 1978.
There are two primary methods of self-handicapping: behavioural handicapping and claimed self-handicapping. In behavioural handicapping, individuals actively create obstacles to their success. For example, a student might spend the night before an important exam partying instead of studying. In the event of failure, they can attribute their poor performance to fatigue and a hangover rather than a lack of ability. Similarly, an athlete who refuses to practice or a musician who fails to refine their technique can blame their lack of preparation rather than inherent limitations. Other examples of behavioural handicaps include alcohol consumption, procrastination, risky behaviours, and the selection of unattainable goals.
In claimed self-handicapping, individuals state that obstacles to performance exist without physically creating them. They provide justifications or excuses for potential failures in advance. For instance, declaring physical symptoms or making proclamations about external circumstances that might impede their success. This allows individuals to maintain that any failure is due to these claimed obstacles rather than their own abilities or efforts.
Self-handicapping is a widespread behaviour observed across various cultures and geographic areas. It is particularly prevalent among students, who may engage in self-handicapping to avoid feeling bad about themselves if they do not perform well academically. Similarly, in the business world, individuals may self-handicap to manage the impressions of others and protect their self-image.
While self-handicapping can provide a temporary buffer against potential failure, it also hinders personal growth and the ability to take responsibility for one's actions. It is driven by a fear of failure and a need to protect one's ego. By recognising this tendency and building self-esteem, individuals can take the first steps towards overcoming self-handicapping behaviours and embracing personal accountability.
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Self-handicapping can be used for self-enhancement and to manage the impressions of others
Self-handicapping is a cognitive strategy employed by individuals to protect their self-esteem and avoid the pain of failure. It involves creating or choosing obstacles that hinder success, thereby providing an excuse for potential failure. This phenomenon was first studied by Edward E. Jones and Steven Berglas, who observed that individuals facing potential failure were more likely to choose options that impaired their performance.
While self-handicapping may seem counterintuitive, it serves a psychological purpose. By creating obstacles, individuals can preserve their self-image and avoid the discomfort of acknowledging their deficiencies. This strategy allows individuals to externalize failures while internalizing successes, enhancing their sense of competence and protecting their ego. For example, a student who parties the night before an exam can blame their poor performance on fatigue and a hangover rather than a lack of ability.
Self-handicapping can also be used for self-enhancement and to manage the impressions of others. When faced with success, individuals can attribute it to their ability to overcome obstacles, thereby enhancing their achievement. This allows them to maintain a positive self-image and present themselves in a favourable light to others. The successful individual can claim credit for persevering despite the challenges, which can be impressive and enhance their reputation.
Additionally, self-handicapping can provide an individual with a sense of control and reduced pressure. By creating obstacles, individuals may feel more engaged in a task and relieve the anxiety associated with performance. While this strategy may sometimes enhance performance, research generally indicates that self-handicapping negatively impacts overall performance, learning, persistence, and intrinsic motivation. It can also have long-term costs, including worse health and well-being, more frequent negative moods, and higher substance use.
In summary, self-handicapping is a complex phenomenon that involves a trade-off between protecting self-esteem and hindering success. While it can provide psychological benefits and enhance self-image, it also carries significant costs and may sabotage an individual's chances of achieving their full potential. Recognizing and overcoming self-handicapping tendencies can be crucial for personal growth and well-being.
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There are two types: behavioural and claimed self-handicaps
Self-handicapping is a cognitive strategy employed by individuals to avoid putting in effort, in hopes of shielding their self-esteem from potential failure. It involves engaging in behaviours that sabotage one's chances of success. People tend to create obstacles or withdraw effort to maintain a self-image of competence, thereby externalising failures but internalising success.
There are two types of self-handicaps:
Behavioural Self-Handicaps
This involves an individual creating actual obstacles to their performance. For example, a student might spend the night before an important exam partying instead of studying. In the event of failure, they can blame their poor performance on fatigue and a hangover, rather than a lack of ability. Other examples include alcohol consumption, refusal to practice, procrastination, risky behaviours, and overcommitting.
Claimed Self-Handicaps
This involves an individual merely stating that an obstacle to performance exists. For example, a student might claim to be experiencing physical symptoms like a headache or illness before an exam, thereby providing an excuse for potential failure. Other examples include declaring financial difficulties or family problems as reasons for not completing tasks.
By recognising these self-handicapping tendencies, individuals can take steps to overcome them and improve their chances of success.
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Frequently asked questions
Setting challenging but realistic goals is not a self-handicapping strategy. Self-handicapping involves creating obstacles and excuses to protect one's self-esteem and avoid taking responsibility for failures.
Self-handicapping is a cognitive strategy where individuals avoid putting in effort to protect their self-esteem from potential failure.
Examples include procrastination, negative self-fulfilling prophecies, learned helplessness, and risky behaviours. Another example is a student who parties the night before an exam, ensuring they have an excuse for potential failure.
People self-handicap to protect their ego and avoid feelings of inadequacy. Self-handicapping allows individuals to externalise failures while internalising successes.
Recognising the tendency to self-handicap is the first step towards overcoming it. Building self-esteem and challenging negative thoughts can also help reduce the need to self-handicap.
