WHY I FAILED: THE TRUTHS BEHIND STUDENT SELF-HANDICAPPING

This qualitative study examined self-handicapping among engineering students at the largest non-sectarian private university in Mindanao. Ten participants were selected for in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion. The thematic analyses revealed four primary reasons why students engage in self-handicapping: academic self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy, external blaming, justification through duties and obligation, and burnout. Interestingly, the findings highlight that self-handicapping is not just a behavior, action, or emotion but a mindset. This emphasizes the need for interventions that target both the behavioral, emotional, and mental aspects of self-handicapping. Schools should implement time management training, mental health support, and coping skills programs to help students adopt healthier academic habits and improve their overall well-being and academic success. Article visualizations: