Self-Handicapping and Dimensions of Perfectionism: Self-Presentation vs Self-Protection

• DOI: 10.1006/jrpe.1995.1027
• Publication Date: 2002-10-07T11:34:51Z
• Authors: Karen Hobden; Patricia Pliner
• Keywords: 4. Education; 05 social sciences; 0503 education

Abstract After receiving contingent or noncontingent success feedback on a test, subjects were given the opportunity to self-handicap by selecting impairing (vs enhancing) music to listen to while taking a second test. Privacy of tape choice and posttest scores were manipulated. Overall, subjects were more likely to self-handicap after noncontingent than contingent success. In addition, high self-orientated perfectionists self-handicapped in public and in private, presumably for purposes of self-protection. High socially prescribed perfectionists self-handicapped more after noncontingent than contingent success in public but not in private. Presumably for this group, impression management is a primary concern.