Which Scenario Is the Best Example of Self-Handicapping

question 40

Multiple Choice

Which scenario is the best example of self-handicapping?

• A)Musi is a cigarette smoker.He does not like to hear about the health risks of smoking.He therefore ignores such information, or dismisses it as invalid, and continues to smoke.
• B)Neither Zanele nor her friends ever study very much for school.Since Zanele does not know anyone who studies very hard, she assumes that in fact no one ever studies hard.As a consequence, she continues to have terrible study habits.
• C)Jacques has a big boxing match coming up, but he fears that he will lose.The week before the match, he claims that he is 'really busy with other studies,' and does not practise at all.Even though he may not realise he is doing this, he is setting himself up so that he will have an 'excuse' in case he loses the match.
• D)Sometimes, when Olivia has a long day, she yells at her children when she gets home.She usually feels very bad about this right after doing it.But then she realises that she can 'justify' her behaviour ('I am the parent here,' she thinks, 'and I have the right to discipline my children.') In other words, she is able to rationalise, or excuse, a not-so-good behaviour.

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Definitions:

Neuronal Membrane

The phospholipid bilayer that encases a neuron, allowing for the regulation of ion flow necessary for transmitting nerve impulses.

Sodium

A chemical element, symbol Na, that is a soft, silvery-white, highly reactive metal and is used in various compounds and biological functions.

Synaptic Cleft

The tiny gap between neurons at a synapse, through which neurotransmitters are released to transmit nerve impulses from one neuron to another.

Axon Terminal

The endpoint of a neuron, where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals to other neurons or muscle cells.