Journal article

Publication year: 2011

Pages: 699-709

Journal: Learning and Individual Differences: Journal of Psychology and Education

Volume number: 21

Issue number: 6

ISSN: 1041-6080

eISSN: 1873-3425

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2011.09.004

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 
Drawing on modern diathesis-stress theories which suggest a multiplicative approach to determine one's personal vulnerability status, we posit that the degree of an individual's vulnerability for using self-handicapping strategies in case of self-threatening events depends on the interaction between different vulnerability and protective factors. In this article, we assume that the pursuit of mastery goals buffers the relations between self-handicapping and two frequently cited determinants (low self-esteem, high performance-avoidance goals). In three studies with German high-school and college students, we found empirical evidence for the assumed moderator effect of mastery goals. In studies 1 and 3, performance-avoidance goals were remarkably lower associated with self-handicapping in the group of students highly endorsing mastery goals compared to students who proved to be less mastery oriented. In studies 2 and 3, moreover, individuals' self-esteem was less related to self-handicapping when students strongly emphasized mastery goals. We discuss several implications of these findings for both educational practice and future research on self-handicapping. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Harvard Citation style: Schwinger, M. and Stiensmeier-Pelster, J. (2011) Prevention of self-handicapping - The protective function of mastery goals, Learning and Individual Differences: Journal of Psychology and Education, 21(6), pp. 699-709. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2011.09.004

APA Citation style: Schwinger, M., & Stiensmeier-Pelster, J. (2011). Prevention of self-handicapping - The protective function of mastery goals. Learning and Individual Differences: Journal of Psychology and Education. 21(6), 699-709. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2011.09.004