The Predictive Role of Guilt and Shame Proneness on Academic Self-Handicapping

The present study aims to investigate the predictive role of Guilt and Shame Proneness on Academic Self-Handicapping, by examining the subscales of these constructs. In accordance with this, a correlational research design was employed using the Guilt and Shame Proneness Scale (GASPS by Cohen, et al, 2011) and the Academic Self- Handicapping Scale (ASH) on a sample of 102 participants from Bengaluru, India. Data analysis was done through Descriptive Statistics, Correlational study and Multiple Regression. The calculated results are indicative of a weak correlation that exists between certain subscales of Guilt and Shame Proneness and Academic Self-Handicapping. These findings are expected to provide insight as well as deeper understanding of the contributing factors towards Academic Self-Handicapping and to highlight the importance of understanding the predictive role of guilt and shame proneness in this behavior. Another expected contribution of this study is towards the growing literature on emotions arising out of self-evaluation, their proneness, and the maladaptive coping strategies that might emerge in response to them. Ethical guidelines laid down by APA were followed as ethical consideration, confidentiality and data security was maintained during data handling. The study states its limitations, delimitations and future directions as well.