The Self-Handicapping Scale: Development And Validation In Indian Context

Abstract

Self-Handicapping is a human tendency that can be defined in terms of behavioral patterns that involve the creation of barriers to human performance, so that in the event of failure, obstacles are caused rather than important personal traits such as skill or intelligence. The main objective of the present study was to develop and validate the “Self-Handicapping Scale” in Indian context. Self-Handicapping of tertiary students will be measured by using this scale. The study sample consisted of six hundred (300 boys and 300 girls) higher education students. Random Sampling was used to select the sample. For content and face validity opinions from experts were taken. Factor analysis was performed on sample responses. The results concluded that Self-Handicapping is comprised of two dimensions namely “Claimed Self-Handicapping” and “Behavioural Self-Handicapping”. Cronbach's alpha of “Self-Handicapping Scale” (α=.779), indicators of internal consistency represent good internal integrity. The results revealed the presence of important psychometric features of the structured questionnaire.