Self-handicapping
Creating or claiming obstacles before a performance so that failure can be blamed on the obstacle and success looks more impressive.
What drives it
It protects self-esteem and image when ability feels uncertain: if I fail, it was the hangover, not me. The cost is a higher chance of failing.
How it shows
Work
Starts the presentation late the night before, mentions being 'swamped' or 'running on two hours' sleep' before a pitch, takes on a side project just before a deadline, tells others 'I didn't really prepare'. Claimed handicaps are said aloud; behavioural ones are done.
Relationships
Goes out drinking before a family event they dread, starts a fight before a hard conversation so it can be blamed on mood, says 'I'm terrible at relationships' before a date.
Self
Notice when you announce an excuse before the event, or sense relief that you have a reason ready in case it goes badly.
What tells it apart
Procrastination: Procrastination delays to escape unpleasant feelings; self-handicapping delays or sabotages so that failure can be blamed. Ask whether the person makes a point of telling others about the delay.
Impostor phenomenon: Impostors usually over-prepare to avoid exposure; self-handicappers under-prepare to keep an excuse. Watch effort before the event.
Rationalisation: Rationalisation constructs reasons after the event; self-handicapping prepares the excuse before it.
A test
Listen for an excuse offered before a performance rather than after.
Questions to carry
- Before the performance started, which obstacle was mentioned, and when was it first brought up?
- What excuse do I set up in advance, and what would it mean if I failed without one?
How strong the research is
moderate. Well replicated in lab studies and measured by a scale; field data link it to lower performance and wellbeing over time.
Where it comes from
Steven Berglas and Edward Jones, 1978.