People are most likely to resort to self-handicapping when
A)the quality of their performance on a task is not particularly important.
B)their success or failure at a task will not become public.
C)they fear failure.
D)they are certain of success.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Self-handicapping is a strategy that people use to protect their self-esteem or social standing by creating an excuse or external factor that may explain why they perform poorly on a task. Therefore, people are most likely to resort to self-handicapping when they fear failure. Options A and D are incorrect because people are less likely to use self-handicapping when the quality of their performance on a task is not particularly important or when they are certain of success. Option B is also incorrect because the fear of an undesirable outcome becoming public can actually increase the likelihood of self-handicapping.

People Are Most Likely to Resort to Self-Handicapping When