Self-handicap
Definition
A barrier, difficulty, or impediment that an individual or a group creates or imposes upon themselves, consciously or unconsciously; a practical manifestation of the self-handicapping strategy. In the psychology of success, it represents a structural defensive mechanism whereby a person creates beforehand justifications or real obstacles (such as procrastination, lack of sleep, or overcommitting) to protect their self-esteem in case of an eventual failure.
Bilingual Equivalents
- Self-handicap
- Self-imposed obstacle
Grammatical & Source Details
| Inflection Type | Neuter noun, regular structural plural variations. Genitive-Dative forms follow standard patterns. |
| Formation | Compound noun formed with the reflexive prefix 'auto-' (self) and the noun base 'obstacol' (obstacle). |
| Spelling / Pronunciation | [ˌself.ɪm.ˈpoʊzd ˈɒb.stə.kəl] |
| Source | Encyclopedia of Cognitive Distortions and Behavioral Self-Regulation |
Contextual Usage Examples
RO: Amânarea pregătirii pentru examen a fost doar un autoobstacol menit să îi scuze o notă mică.
EN: Procrastinating the exam preparation was merely a self-handicap meant to excuse a low grade.
RO: Psihologul i-a explicat că teama de respingere îl determină să își pună câte un autoobstacol în fiecare relație.
EN: The psychologist explained that the fear of rejection causes him to place a self-imposed obstacle in every relationship.
RO: Identificarea unui autoobstacol este dificilă deoarece mintea tinde să îl mascheze sub forma unei scuze perfect logice.
EN: Identifying a self-imposed obstacle is difficult because the mind tends to mask it as a perfectly logical excuse.
Idioms & Phrases
Strategie de autoobstacol / Self-handicapping strategy
RO: Comportament prin care o persoană își sabotează șansele de succes pentru a avea pe ce să dea vina în caz de eșec.
EN: A behavior whereby a person sabotages their chances of success so they have something to blame in case of failure.
Autoobstacol inconștient / Unconscious self-barrier
RO: Blocaj psihic profund implementat de mecanismele de apărare ale ego-ului, fără ca persoana să își dea seama de intenție.
EN: A deep mental blockage implemented by the ego's defense mechanisms, without the person realizing the intention.
Depășirea unui autoobstacol / Overcoming a self-imposed obstacle
RO: Proces de conștientizare și restructurare cognitivă prin care un individ încetează să își mai blocheze propria evoluție.
EN: A process of awareness and cognitive restructuring through which an individual stops blocking their own development.
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