A prediction model for self-handicapping in Bojnourd University students: The role of compatible and incompatible components of perfectionism

Self-handicapping is any action or choice of performance setting that enhances the opportunity to externalize failure and to internalize success.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of perfectionism and its various dimensions in predicting self-handicapping of Bojnourd university students.

The type of research was cross-sectional descriptive and a correlational type. The statistical population included undergraduate students of Bojnourd University in the academic year of 2013-2014. 200 people were selected by multistage cluster sampling and each of them answered to the Perfectionism Scale of Hill et al (2004) and the Self-Handicapping Scale of Jones and Rhodewalt (1982). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression. SPSS v. 18 was also used in data analysis.

There was a significant positive and direct relationship between each of the eight dimensions of perfectionism and self-handicapping (P<0.05); In other words, with the increase of perfectionism, the use of self-handicapping strategies increases. None of the dimensions of perfectionism in the prediction model of self-handicapping were excluded from the regression and in the final model predicted 0.32 of the variance of self-handicapping (P<0.05).

Perfectionism is a multidimensional construct that can affect studentschr('39') self-handicapping. Therefore, interventions are needed to systematically manage the components of student perfectionism.