The affective consequences of self-handicapping

Author(s): Ahrens, A. H., Haaga, D. A. F.

Journal/Book: J Soc Behav Pers. 1995; 10: PO Box 37, Corte Madera, CA 94976. Select Press. 861-870.

Abstract: Does self-handicapping behavior buffer affect following failure? The present study examined participants' affect following noncontingent failure feedback on an evaluative task. Experimental participants chose either impeding music (self-handicapping) or facilitating music (non-self-handicapping) while taking a test of spatial relations. A control group was told that no differences existed between the musical tapes. After controlling for initial affect, participants who chose to self-handicap on this task were significantly less likely to show decreased positive affect than those who did not. Self-handicapping thus appears to have been beneficial for participants. Discussion focuses on implications of these findings for the hypothesis of self-handicapping benefits.

Note: Article AH Ahrens, American Univ, Dept Psychol, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016 USA

Keyword(s): ATTRIBUTIONAL STYLE; TASK IMPORTANCE; DEPRESSION; PERFORMANCE; STRESS

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