Self‐Esteem, Self‐Handicapping, and Self‐Presentation: The Strategy of Inadequate Practice

Abstract

ABSTRACT In two experiments we investigated the causes of low preparatory effort (minimal practicing for an upcoming event that is to be evaluated), a possible form of self‐handicapping Experiment 1 found that people with high self‐esteem practiced less than people with low self‐esteem, although a prior experience of success eliminated this difference Experiment 2 showed that people with high self‐esteem practiced less only when the practice duration was publicly known, indicating that they were using a strategic self‐presentational ploy rather man responding to superior confidence This difference may reflect a desire to maximize the self‐presentation of high ability by appearing to succeed despite minimal preparatory effort These results suggest that this form of self‐handicapping is a strategy used by highly confident individuals in uncertain situations to make a favorable impression on others

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