Naledi has an important presentation coming up at work, but she fears that she will do a poor job.The week before the presentation, she claims that she is feeling under the weather; she leaves work early almost every day and barely practises her presentation at all.Even though she may not realise what she is doing, Naledi is setting herself up so that she will have an 'excuse' in case the presentation does not go well.Social psychologists refer to this pattern of behaviour as ____.
A)self-regulation
B)the self-reference effect
C)overjustification
D)self-handicapping

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Naledi is engaging in self-handicapping, which is a strategy people use to protect their self-esteem by providing an excuse for failure. By portraying herself as not feeling well and not practising her presentation, Naledi is creating a built-in excuse for herself in case she does not do well.

Naledi Has an Important Presentation Coming Up at Work, but She