Costs of self-handicapping.
Four studies examined the relation of trait self-handicapping with health-related measures. Study 1 showed that, over time, self-handicapping and maladjustment reinforce each other. Study 2 showed that self-handicappers reported a loss in competence satisfaction which, in turn, mediated the relation of self-handicapping with negative mood. Study 3 found that, over time, self-handicappers report an increase in substance use. Study 4 showed that self-handicappers reported a loss in intrinsic motivation for their jobs. It was suggested that people with unstable (or contingent) self-esteem use self-handicapping to bolster a fragile self-concept.
Zuckerman
Miron
M
Department of Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA. miron@psych.rochester.edu
Tsai
Fen-Fang
FF
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires