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A quadripolar need achievement representation of self-handicapping and defensive pessimism
Martin, Andrew J. Marsh, Herbert W. Debus, Raymond L.
Martin, Andrew J.
Marsh, Herbert W.
Debus, Raymond L.
Abstract
From need achievement and self-worth motivation perspectives, self-handicapping and defensive pessimism (comprising defensive expectations and reflectivity) are integrated into a quadripolar model reflecting the motives to avoid failure and approach success. Consistent with hypotheses, defensive expectations and self-handicapping reflected failure avoidance (with self-handicapping bordering failure acceptance); reflectivity was marked by high failure avoidance and high success orientation; and, self-concept essentially reflected success orientation. This quadripolar model was consistent across students’ (n = 328) first and second years at university. Interpretation of these constructs in terms of failure avoidance and success orientation was validated through structural equation modeling in which self-handicapping, defensive pessimism, and self-concept differentially predicted a variety of academic outcomes.
Keywords
Date
2001
Type
Journal article
Journal
American Educational Research Journal
Book
Volume
38
Issue
3
Page Range
583-610
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute for Positive Psychology and Education
Faculty of Education and Arts
Faculty of Education and Arts
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled