Personality traits and gender effect on athletes and non-athletes self-handicapping strategies over time

Journal Title: Exercise and Quality of Life - Year 2017, Vol 9, Issue 1

Abstract

The aim of this research was to examine differences in the use of self-handicapping strategies in athletes and non-athletes, changes in self-handicapping strategies that can occur with the approach of an important event, and the relationships between these strategies and personality traits, gender, and some external criteria such as performance. The sample included 183 subjects (mean age 21.16 years) consisting of 102 non-athletes and 81 athletes. Three questionnaires were used: VP+2, for measuring personality dimensions of seven-factor model, SH-17, for the assessment of changes in the use of self-handicapping strategies through time and a general biographical questionnaire. A general linear model for repeated measures was used for data analysis. Significant correlation was found between self-handicapping strategies and the number of medals and awards won at international and domestic competitions. The results also showed a positive correlation between self-handicapping strategies and dimensions of Neuroticism and Extraversion and negative with Conscientiousness. Also, a statistically significant difference in the use of self-handicapping strategies was found between athletes and non-athletes, showing that non-athletes express more self-handicapping behaviour. The results indicate that the frequency of self-handicapping behaviour does not change through time. The effect of gender on self-handicapping is not significant, but there was a statistically significant interaction effect of gender and population on self-handicapping behaviour. It indicates that male non-athletes are more prone to self-handicapping 10 days before an important competition (exam or public speaking for general population, or “game of the season” for sporting population) compared to male athletes. These results, apart from the gender differences, are consistent with the results of previous studies. Limitations of this research and possible directions for future studies were also considered.

Authors and Affiliations

Nikola Prpa

Keywords

Related Articles

Nutritional and motor ability status of first- and second- grade students

Nutritional status is a relevant indicator of optimal growth and development, as well as the health status of children. Since nutritional status can influence the expression of children’s motor capacities, a study has be...

Improving motor fitness in primary school children through a school based intervention

Abstract The aim of this study is to establish the effects of specially programmed circuit training on physical fitness in primary school children. A total of 58 (28 girls) primary school children aged 11-13 (experimenta...

Gender differences during adolescence in the motives for physical exercise, depression, anxiety and stress

Lately, there has been increase of interest in examining the motives of male and female adolescents for taking part in physical activities, as well as examining their depression, anxiety and stress. The objective of this...

THE INFLUENCE OF DANCING AND GAME CONTENTS ON PRESCHOOLERS’ MOTOR ENGAGEMENT

The goal of this study was to examine the influence of dancing and game contents on preschoolers’ motor engagement in each phase, as well as total engagement in directed motor activities. The study was realized in the fi...

The pedagogical potential of a bilingual specialized dictionary in tertiary education

Even though specialized dictionaries provide abundant information, research findings indicate that their role in the teaching process has been neglected. Within the context of the current global domination of English and...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP298854
  • DOI 10.31382/eqol.170601
  • Views 233
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Nikola Prpa (2017). Personality traits and gender effect on athletes and non-athletes self-handicapping strategies over time. Exercise and Quality of Life, 9(1), 5-14. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-298854