How is self-sabotage presented in romantic relationships?

Peel, Raquel ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4909-9844 and McBain, Kerry and Caltabiano, Nerina and Buckby, Beryl (2017) How is self-sabotage presented in romantic relationships? In: 16th Australian Psychological Society Psychology of Relationships Interest Group National Conference (APS-PORIG), 16-17 Nov 2017, Melbourne, Australia.

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Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present an integrated review exploring the theme of self-sabotage in romantic relationships. Self-sabotage or self-handicapping is a cognitive strategy employed by individuals as self-protection; primarily aimed at preserving self-esteem and self-image. When faced with failure, the individual can justify the outcome as due to the handicap itself (i.e., an external cause), whereas, if faced with success, the individual can emphasise their ability to withstand the barriers of handicap (i.e., an internal cause). The hypothesis is that the self-handicapper creates obstacles which impede success or withdrawal effort to maintain self-esteem and competent public and private self-image. Most of the research undertaken regarding the practice of self-handicapping has been conducted in the context of education, work, and sporting activities. However, in other contexts this phenomenon is less explored and loosely defined. With regards to romantic relationships, there is a distinct lack of knowledge to explain why some people, having successfully initiated a relationship, embark upon what appears to be a path to certain dissolution of that engagement. Studies will need to be conducted to provide evidence for this phenomenon and directions for practical approaches in relationship counselling.

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Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Commonwealth Reporting Category E) (Speech)
Refereed:	Yes
Item Status:	Live Archive
Additional Information:	Abstract only.
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre:	Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Counselling (1 Jan 2015 - 31 Dec 2021)
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre:	Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Counselling (1 Jan 2015 - 31 Dec 2021)
Date Deposited:	11 Nov 2019 01:43
Last Modified:	03 Jan 2020 04:33
Uncontrolled Keywords:	romantic relationships, self-sabotage, self-handicapping, attachment
Fields of Research (2008):	17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1701 Psychology > 170113 Social and Community Psychology 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1701 Psychology > 170106 Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology
Fields of Research (2020):	52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5205 Social and personality psychology > 520599 Social and personality psychology not elsewhere classified 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5203 Clinical and health psychology > 520399 Clinical and health psychology not elsewhere classified
Socio-Economic Objectives (2008):	C Society > 92 Health > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920209 Mental Health Services
URI:	http://eprints.usq.edu.au/id/eprint/37131

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