United We Care | A Super App for Mental Wellness

logo
  • Services
    • Areas of Expertise
    • Our Professionals
  • Self Care
    • COVID Care
    • Meditation
    • Focus
    • Mindfulness
    • Move
    • Sleep
    • Stress
  • Blog
  • Get Help Now
  • Services
    • Areas of Expertise
    • Our Professionals
  • Self Care
    • COVID Care
    • Meditation
    • Focus
    • Mindfulness
    • Move
    • Sleep
    • Stress
  • Blog
  • Get Help Now
logo
Get Help Now
Download App
Search
Close

Table of Contents

How does self handicapping work explained

  • United We Care
  • Stress
  • January 19, 2022
How does self handicapping work explained

How do we approach a looming problem that has a high risk of failure? We do everything we can to prepare and ensure that we will be successful in this endeavour. Surprisingly, we may be putting roadblocks on our path to success. Self-handicapping is a phenomenon where some people create justifications or even perform acts that make it more difficult to succeed in a future endeavour. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly self-handicapping means.

What is Self-Handicapping?

Self-handicapping works in ways that jeopardize your prospects of achievement. Why would somebody undertake anything that may increase their chances of failing? Researchers have discovered that to avoid taking responsibility for our failures, we sometimes go so far as to harm our prospects of succeeding. Self-handicapping is defined as behaviours or remarks that allow us to avoid exerting effort or taking responsibility for prospective failures that may harm our self-esteem. Putting out effort and failing is far more humiliating and damaging to our self-esteem than self-handicap and making excuses for why we failed. Our decisions and behaviours present us with an opportunity to internalize achievement while externalizing failure when we self-handicap. To put it another way, self-handicapping allows us to claim credit for our triumphs while blaming others for our misfortunes.

Ritu Gaur
Life Coach
Book Now
Manveen Kaur
Psychologist
Book Now

Why Do People Self-Handicap?

According to psychologists, we all have a strong desire to blame external circumstances for our shortcomings while taking personal responsibility for our achievements. This behaviour helps us maintain our self-esteem, but it can also lead us to do things that make us less likely to succeed. This is known as self-handicapping, which is described as a self-destructive behaviour or choice that hinders people from accepting personal responsibility for their actions.

How does Self-Handicapping Work?

The first question that may pop into your mind is how does self-handicapping work?

Well people, in essence, establish barriers so that any potential failures may be blamed on these other factors. When people discover that their lack of expertise or preparedness contributed to their failure, it can be upsetting. Self-handicapping can take many distinct forms. This behaviour can be very harmless at times, but it can also be rather dangerous to others. It may even push people to participate in a potentially risky activity in some situations.

Some examples of Self Handicapping Work

One of the examples of self-handicapping work are:

Martha is a first-generation college student who is accustomed to doing well in academics and athletics with minimal effort. Martha has been struggling to keep up in her science lesson, notwithstanding her previous success. She understands that the midterm test in her science class is worth 25% of his final mark and has the potential to improve his class average. She chooses to go on a vacation with her pals instead of studying the weekend before his test.

 

Martha is disappointed when she obtains a “D” on her midterm exam. She concludes that he scored poorly on the exam since he was on a vacation and didn’t have time to study. Self-handicapping is exemplified by Stephen’s conduct.

What are the positive and negative emotions of self-handicapping?

Self-handicapping is a trade-off since it has positive as well as negative emotions of self-handicapping. Self-handicapping entails putting up a roadblock to one’s achievement. Self-handicappers reduce their odds of success while simultaneously protecting themselves from the consequences of failure. However, self-handicapping appears to have long-term consequences. Chronic self-handicappers, for example, have been demonstrated to do worse academically and adjust to life more slowly. Furthermore, as previously indicated, a person who participates in self-handicapping may face several interpersonal implications.

Some experts feel that regular self-handicapping might lead to the development of long-term self-destructive behaviours like alcoholism or drug dependence. The motivation for self-handicapping is influenced by a person’s self-esteem. For self-improvement purposes, people with high self-esteem self-handicap (or to enhance their success). People with poor self-esteem, on the other hand, self-handicap to protect themselves.

How to Stop Self-Handicapping?

We often profess we want something and then act in ways that are the polar opposite of what we desire.  The ways to stop self-handicapping are by

  1.       Keep an eye out for red flags.

Self-handicapping is characterized by reducing your efforts, making excuses, or diverting yourself (music, drink, etc.). A mentor or a coworker may frequently assist you in regaining your bearings.

  1.       Instead of making excuses, think about “what-ifs” and “if only.”

Self-handicapping thinking may be inverted to be encouraging, according to research. Determine what you can do about the issues that are under your control.

  1.       Acknowledge your negative feelings and learn how to deal with them.

When we utilize our “if-only’s” to push ourselves rather than excuse ourselves, research reveals that we are more prone to undergo unpleasant emotions like dissatisfaction and self-directed wrath.

  1.       Strive for mastery.

When we are attempting to do well to minimize adverse feedback from multiple sources, such as criticism from coworkers, self-handicapping is most likely to occur. Identify what is important to you and create ideas to help you get started.

Avoid Sabotaging your life, book a consultation with an experienced therapist

 

Book Now

Wrapping Up

Looking through this list, it’s important to remember that we might harm ourselves by seeking to influence how others perceive us or how we perceive ourselves. These scenarios have nothing to do with solving issues, assisting people, or advancing the team’s or organization’s objective. Self-handicapping, whether in the form of excuses or self-defeating conduct, isn’t about finding solutions; it’s about protecting the person by regulating perceptions.
For further guidance, visit the United We Care website. 

Self Assessment Tests

COVID Anxiety Test

Start Start

 

Depression Assessment Test

Start Start

 

Anxiety Assessment Test

Start Start

 

OCD Assessment Test

Start Start

 

Anger Assessment Test

Start Start

 

Personal Wellness Assessment

Start Start

 

Mental Stress Assessment

Start Start

 

Relationship Assessment

Start Start

 

Subscribe to our newsletter

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Sri Lanka's Economy and Mental Health
Emotional Wellness
United We Care

Sri Lanka’s Economy and Mental Health: A Troubled Relationship

Introduction Sri Lanka is a democratic island country with 22 million people. The island country has been highly dependent on its tourism industry and foreign

Read More »
United We Care January 19, 2022
Russia Ukraine War
Emotional Wellness
United We Care

Russia Ukraine War and mental health: How does it affect people

Introduction Russia and Ukraine have faced tensions since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Due to countries’ independence from colonial rule, border security became a

Read More »
United We Care January 19, 2022
Psychology of Bounded Rationality
Emotional Wellness
United We Care

The Psychology of Bounded Rationality: How to Make Smarter Decisions

Introduction Human beings are irrational, making decisions based on cognitive bias and emotions. Instead of making perfect choices, they often make choices that they consider

Read More »
United We Care January 19, 2022
Morgan Freeman
Emotional Wellness
United We Care

Morgan Freeman: A Voice For Mental Health Awareness

Introduction It may sound interesting when someone mentions Morgan Freeman and mental health issues together because we ordinarily know the Hollywood actor for his deep

Read More »
United We Care January 19, 2022
Psychology of Social Behaviour
Emotional Wellness
United We Care

Social Behaviour and the Soap Opera: The Psychology of Social Behaviour and Soap Opera.

Introduction Soap operas are the written products of electronic media with artistic and dramatic aspects to make them lucrative to their viewers. In simpler words,

Read More »
United We Care January 19, 2022
Dating and Drug-Induced
Emotional Wellness
United We Care

The Truth About Dating and Drug-Induced Mental Problems

Introduction People drink alcohol and use drugs for a variety of reasons. Whatever the rationale behind it may be, using alcohol or drugs can negatively

Read More »
United We Care January 19, 2022

Related Articles

Sri Lanka's Economy and Mental Health
Emotional Wellness
United We Care

Sri Lanka’s Economy and Mental Health: A Troubled Relationship

Introduction Sri Lanka is a democratic island country with 22 million people. The island country has been highly dependent on its tourism industry and foreign

Read More »
January 19, 2022 No Comments
Russia Ukraine War
Emotional Wellness
United We Care

Russia Ukraine War and mental health: How does it affect people

Introduction Russia and Ukraine have faced tensions since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Due to countries’ independence from colonial rule, border security became a

Read More »
January 19, 2022 No Comments
Psychology of Bounded Rationality
Emotional Wellness
United We Care

The Psychology of Bounded Rationality: How to Make Smarter Decisions

Introduction Human beings are irrational, making decisions based on cognitive bias and emotions. Instead of making perfect choices, they often make choices that they consider

Read More »
January 19, 2022 No Comments
Morgan Freeman
Emotional Wellness
United We Care

Morgan Freeman: A Voice For Mental Health Awareness

Introduction It may sound interesting when someone mentions Morgan Freeman and mental health issues together because we ordinarily know the Hollywood actor for his deep

Read More »
January 19, 2022 No Comments
Psychology of Social Behaviour
Emotional Wellness
United We Care

Social Behaviour and the Soap Opera: The Psychology of Social Behaviour and Soap Opera.

Introduction Soap operas are the written products of electronic media with artistic and dramatic aspects to make them lucrative to their viewers. In simpler words,

Read More »
January 19, 2022 No Comments
Dating and Drug-Induced
Emotional Wellness
United We Care

The Truth About Dating and Drug-Induced Mental Problems

Introduction People drink alcohol and use drugs for a variety of reasons. Whatever the rationale behind it may be, using alcohol or drugs can negatively

Read More »
January 19, 2022 No Comments
COMPANY
  • Who We Are
  • Areas of Expertise
  • UWC Gives Back
  • Press & Media
  • Contact Us
  • Careers @ UWC
  • Become a Counselor
CUSTOMERS
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQs
RESOURCES
  • Self Care
  • Yoga Portal
DOWNLOAD APP
apple-app-store
apple-app-store
Copyright © United We Care. 2022. All Rights Reserved.
Follow Us:
Facebook-f Instagram Twitter Linkedin-in
×

What can we help you with today?

Show more
Can't proceed as you didn't select any option!

Speak to a specialist

Logo

To take the assessment, please download United We Care app. Scan the QR code from your mobile to download the app

Logo

Take this assessment on App

Download the App Now

Take this before you leave.

We have a mobile app that will always keep your mental health in the best of state. Start your mental health journey today!

DOWNLOAD NOW

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD

Please share your location to continue.

Check our help guide for more info.

share your location