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MENTAL MODEL · M2493

Self-Handicapping

Self-Handicapping
BehaviorHigh supportPsychology
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

A self-protective strategy in which individuals proactively create excuses or obstacles (e.g., procrastination) to attribute potential failure to external factors, thereby protecting self-esteem.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

A self-protective strategy of proactively creating excuses and obstacles to protect self-esteem.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Before performance evaluation, individuals proactively set obstacles (procrastination, reduced effort, alcohol use) or claim unfavorable conditions to provide excuses for potential failure and protect self-esteem; if successful, it enhances perceived ability.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-handicappingZH · Explicit
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