1990/06/01 by Dianne M. Tice, Roy F. Baumeister · 4 citations
Social Sciences · Psychology · #Social and Intergroup Psychology #Cultural Differences and Values #Behavioral Health and Interventions #Self-esteem #Psychology #Presentation (obstetrics) #Social psychology #Presentational and representational acting #Impression management #Self
paper · doi:10.1111/j.1467-6494.1990.tb00237.x
openalex publication_date 1990/06/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
ABSTRACT In two experiments we investigated the causes of low preparatory effort (minimal practicing for an upcoming event that is to be evaluated), a possible form of self‐handicapping Experiment 1 found that people with high self‐esteem practiced less than people with low self‐esteem, although a prior experience of success eliminated this difference Experiment 2 showed that people with high self‐esteem practiced less only when the practice duration was publicly known, indicating that they were using a strategic self‐presentational ploy rather man responding to superior confidence This difference may reflect a desire to maximize the self‐presentation of high ability by appearing to succeed despite minimal preparatory effort These results suggest that this form of self‐handicapping is a strategy used by highly confident individuals in uncertain situations to make a favorable impression on others