Abstract
Differences in use of self-handicapping and defensive pessimism and its relation with achievement goals, self-esteem, and self-regulation strategies. In this paper self-handicapping and defensive pessimism have been assessed among university students. Cluster analysis allowed us to set four groups of students: Group SH (n= 168) high in self-handicapping, Group BE (n= 179) low in self-handicapping and defensive pessimism; Group AE (n= 59) high in both self-worth protection strategies and Group PD (n= 189) high in defensive pessimism. Results indicate that SH group is less likely to subscribe to a mastery orientación than BE and PD groups and supports research that has found a positive relationship between a ego-orientation and self-handicapping. Both self-handicapping and defensive pessimism are positively associated with a ego-defensive orientation. On the other hand, findings provide support for the hypotheses that individuals low in self-esteem may be more likely to engage in selfhandicapping. Finally, results also show that both PD and BE groups are significantly higher in selfregulation strategies than SH and AE groups. These findings are discussed with regard to prior research on self-handicapping and defensive pessimism.
