Which strategy involves creating obstacles to excuse poor performance?

Self-handicapping is a strategy used by individuals to create obstacles or excuses for their potential poor performance. This approach allows a person to attribute any failure to the self-imposed barriers rather than their own abilities or efforts. For instance, a student may choose to engage in distracting activities instead of studying for an important exam. If they do poorly, they can blame their lack of preparation on their choice not to study rather than their intelligence or capability.

This tactic serves two main functions: it protects the individual's self-esteem by providing a plausible reason for not succeeding, and it can also enhance the individual's self-image if they manage to succeed despite the handicaps they've created. By generating these external excuses, individuals can maintain a positive perception of their competence, allowing them to navigate social evaluations more comfortably.