Self-handicapping in adult: Relationship with perfectionism, self-critical rumination and metacognitive beliefs

Self-handicapping is defined as creating verbal or behavioral obcstacles to one's own performance. It negatively affects psychological well-being and may lead to the emergence of maladaptive behaviors such as procrastination, alcohol and substance abuse. Past studies show that perfectionists, individuals prone to self-critical rumination, and people with negative metacognitions use different strategies to avoid failure and negative self-evaluation. In this study, it is aimed to examine the effects of perfectionism, self-critical rumination and metacognitive beliefs on self-handicapping and the relationship between these variables in adults. 351 people between the ages of 18-65 were included in the study. Data collection tools are demographic information form, Self-Sabotage Scale, APS Perfectionism Scale, Self-Critical Rumination, and Metacognition Scale-30, respectively. Multiple Linear Regression models were used to identify Self-Sabotage predictors. As a result of the estimated models; According to self-handicapping scores and demographic variables, maladaptive perfectionism, adaptive perfectionism, self-critical rumination, uncontrollability and danger, cognitive confidence and the need to control thoughts have different effects on self-handicapping. The findings were discussed in the light of the information in the literature.