Lorsqu'on anticipe un échec (examen, entretien, concours) '''l'auto-handicap''' consiste à générer volontairement les causes de l'échec. Cela permet d'expliquer l'échec par des causes externes (manque de sommeil, retard, perte de la convocation) plutôt que de façon interne (incompétence). C'est un moyen de défense psychologique qui permet de protéger l'image sociale de soi.

L'auto-handicap consite à se dresser des obstacles ou des handicaps sur la voie de sa propre réussite. Il s'agit d'une stratégie motivationnelle proactive qui permet de gérer pour une personne les situations risquées d'un point de vue de l'estime de soi (Salomon, 2003). En se fixant des obstacles à l'avance un individu pourra attribuer un échec à autre chose qu'à un manque de compétence. La littérature scientifique a identifié deux types de stratégies :
Les stratégies d'auto-handicap comportementales peuvent consister à se préparer à la dernière minute, à ne pas se présenter à un examen ou à se procrastiner
les stratégies d'auto-handicap révendiquées consitent à évoquer, quant à elle, des problèmes de blessure, un manque de sommeil, des problèmes de préparation.
Ces stratégies d'auto-handicap ont été particulièrement étudiées par l'équipe du chercheur Salomon de l'université d'Aix Marseille, spécialisée dans les techniques de préparation mentale en sport et en entreprise.

'''Self-handicapping''' is defined as "any action or choice of performance setting that enhances the opportunities to externalize failure and to internalize success." It was first theorized by Edward E. Jones and Steven Berglas.

According to research, people will seek out obstacles to their own success that minimizes their own performance as a cause for failure. In one study, subjects were given positive feedback on problem-solving tests, regardless of the subject's actual performance. Half the subjects had been given fairly easy problems, while the others were given difficult problems.  Subjects were then given the choice between a "performance-enhancing drug" and one which would inhibit it. Those subjects who received the difficult problems were more likely to choose the impairing drug, and subjects who faced easy problems were more likely to choose the enhancing drug. It is argued that the subjects presented with hard problems, believing that their success had been due to chance, chose the impairing drug because they were looking for an external attribution (what might be called an "excuse") for expected poor performance in the future, as opposed to an internal attribution.    

Self-handicapping may be the cause of risk, maintain control and protect the ego and self-esteem.

When awareness of failure was induced, experimental subjects have unduly:
* Reduced their preparation for an athletic event
* Studied less for an exam
* Involved less effort
* Given their opponent an advantage
* Lowered expectations

Self-handicapping is more likely to occur when the task is "ego-involving" and failure is anticipated. Some studies suggest that women may be less disposed to and less tolerant of self-handicapping than men (Hirt, McCrea, & Boris, 2003).

manage the impressions of others, or of themselves (though studies have been unable to test the latter).