Effort reduction and task choice as self-handicapping strategies

Abstract

Past research indicates that choice of a performance-depressing drug as a self-handicapping behavior occurs only when the behavior is known to others. This study examined two other types of self-handicapping, effort reduction and choice of a difficult task. It was hypothesized that previous experience of failure and exposure of choices and consequences to others affect those two types of self-handicapping. More specifically, effort reduction was predicted to occur only among those who have experienced failure in the private situation, and choice of a difficult task was to occur in all conditions. Contrary to the prediction, publicness (public vs. private) of the situation did not affect effort reduction. Further analysis showed an interesting and intricate relationship between choices of the two types of self-handicapping; those who had reduced effort in the public condition also chose a difficult task, whereas those who had reduced effort in the private condition did not. This intricate relationship was interpreted to occur to “mend” the negative evaluation by others (that mattered only in the public condition) due to the low achievements of those who have reduced effort.