Examining Self-Compassion's Mediating Effects Between Fear of Failure and Academic Self-Handicapping Among University Students

(1) * Nurfitriany Fakhri Mail (Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia)
(2) Khalida Muhajirah Mail (Universiatas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia)
(3) Lukman Lukman Mail (Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia)
(4) Sahril Buchori Mail (Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia)
*corresponding author

Abstract


Academic self-handicapping behaviors exhibit complex relationships with psychological constructs, particularly fear of failure and self-compassion. This investigation examined the differential effects of fear of failure (X₁) and self-compassion (X₂) on self-handicapping tendencies (Y) among university students. The study comprised 398 participants (n=398; 104 males, 294 females) enrolled across five state universities in Makassar, recruited through accidental sampling methodology. Assessment instruments included the Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory Long-Form (modified), the Self-Handicapping Scale (modified), and the Indonesian adaptation of the Self-Compassion Scale. Utilizing ordinal regression analysis, the results revealed a significant positive association between fear of failure and self-handicapping (b = 0.058, p less than 0.001), while self-compassion demonstrated a significant negative relationship (b = -0.045, p less than 0.001). The combined predictive model accounted for 22.4% of the variance in self-handicapping behaviors (Nagelkerke R² = 0.224). These findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of self-handicapping mechanisms and hold practical implications for developing targeted interventions within university student support services. The results may inform the design and implementation of evidence-based training programs addressing maladaptive academic behaviors among university students.

Keywords


college students; fear of failure; self-compassion; self-handicapping

   

DOI

https://doi.org/10.47679/jopp.7110682025
      

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