Exploring the Interplay Between Self-Esteem, Self- Handicapping and Procrastination Among College Students

Abstract

This study explores the relationships between self-handicapping, procrastination, and self-esteem among college students. A sample of 400 students (200 male, 200 female) from colleges in Varanasi, aged 18-25 years, participated in this study. The research utilized a correlational design, incorporating the Self-Handicapping Scale (SHS), the General Procrastination Scale (GP), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) to measure the relevant constructs. The results revealed significant negative correlations between self-esteem and both self-handicapping (r = -0.309, p < 0.01) and procrastination (r = -0.111, p < 0.05). However, no significant correlation was found between self-handicapping and procrastination (r = -0.066). Further regression analyses indicated that self-handicapping significantly predicted self-esteem, explaining 9.5% of the variance (β = -0.309, p < 0.001), while procrastination explained only 1.2% of the variance in self-esteem (β = -0.111, p = 0.026). Overall, this research contributes to understanding how avoidance behaviour affects self-esteem and underscores the need for targeted interventions to promote resilience and self-worth in young adults.