Perfectionism, Self-Handicapping, and Self-Esteem among College Students: A Correlational Study

This study investigated the relationship among perfectionism, self-handicapping, and self-esteem in college students. Sampling of 120 students aged 18–25 years was conducted as incidental. A range of standard measures, such as the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Self-Handicapping Scale, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were utilized to collect data. Results yielded a significant and positive relationship regarding perfectionism and self-handicapping, a substantial negative relationship between perfectionism and self-esteem, as well as self-handicapping and self-esteem. Self-handicapping was also significantly predictive of self-esteem in regression analysis. The results show maladaptive perfectionism and defensive coping strategies as significant determinants of students’ self-worth and academic behaviour.