Role of Academic Self-Handicapping and Self-Regulated Learning Strategies in Mastery Goal Orientation among Adolescents

The present study attempted to investigate the role of academic self-handicapping and self-regulated learning strategies in mastery goal orientation among adolescents. The sample comprised of 550 school students (age range =14-16years). Instruments namely Self-Handicapping Scale (Jones & Rhodewalt, 1982), Self-Regulation Inventory (Cleary & Platten, 2013), and Achievement Goals Questionnaire-Revised(Elliot & Murayama, 2008) were used. It has been found that self-handicapping wasnegatively associated with self-regulated learning strategies and mastery goal orientation; whereas self-regulated learning strategies was positively linked with mastery goal orientation. In addition, it has been found thatgirls displayedless self-handicapping behavior and more self-regulated and better goal oriented behavior as comparedto boys. Demographic group differences showed that adolescents enrolled in private schools with higher maternal education were less engaged in self-handicapping behaviorand more self-regulated and achievement goal oriented as comparedto government school students. However, significant differences were found on paternal education in relation to mastery goal orientation only.