Young actors, models, and musicians often get involved with drugs and alcohol very quickly after rising to success. While there are many factors that contribute to this pattern, it is sometimes suggested that young stars get "mixed up" with drugs and alcohol so that they have a good "excuse" in case their career takes a turn for the worse (i.e., they can simply blame misfortunes on "partying too much" rather than on a personal lack of talent-which would seem much more painful!). If this is true, then it would be correct to say that stars who "party too much" are often engaging in ____.
A) self-regulation
B) the self-reference effect
C) overjustification
D) self-handicapping

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Self-handicapping is the tendency to engage in behaviors that undermine one's performance, providing an excuse for failure. In this case, young stars who "party too much" are engaging in self-handicapping by having an excuse in case their career falters, instead of acknowledging a personal lack of talent or effort.

Young Actors, Models, and Musicians Often Get Involved with Drugs