Judged: two independent readers; copy check clear.
self-handicapping
self-handicapping Self-handicapping is a defensive strategy in which a person reduces effort or creates obstacles for themselves when a challenging task feels threatening to their competence.
Self-handicapping is a defensive strategy in which a person reduces effort or creates obstacles for themselves when a challenging task feels threatening to their competence. It serves to protect self-image by providing a way to explain poor performance.