Taylor plays golf for her high school team. There is a big tournament coming up next week, and she is very nervous about how she will do. She tells her teammates that she has not been feeling well this week, so she hasn't been able to practise as much as she would like to. She also reminded them that the course does not set up well for her game - so they shouldn't expect much from her. Which of the following is Taylor engaging in?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Taylor is engaging in self-handicapping, which is the tendency to make excuses or to create obstacles to one's own performance in order to protect one's self-esteem. By saying that she has not been feeling well and that the course doesn't suit her game, Taylor is lowering expectations for herself and giving herself a built-in excuse if she doesn't perform well in the tournament.

Taylor Plays Golf for Her High School Team