Circadian variations in claimed self-handicapping: Exploring the strategic use of stress as an excuse

- High trait self-handicappers handicap more during on versus off peak times.
- Claimed self-handicapping was mediated by participants' level of evaluative concern.
- On peak self-handicappers invented an alternative handicap when none were present.
- High trait self-handicappers showed increased evaluative concern when on peak.
- Self-handicapping is a strategic behavior that requires available resources.

The current research examines the effects of resource availability, assessed here via individual differences in circadian typology, on the use of claimed self-handicapping. Participants high in trait self-handicapping were more likely to claim stress when told it would negatively affect their score on an upcoming intelligence task (versus when told stress would not affect their score). However, this effect emerged only during on-peak (as opposed to off-peak) times, suggesting that the use of self-handicapping depends upon available resources. Further analyses showed that reported stress was mediated by the participants' evaluative concern. Interestingly, participants high in trait self-handicapping reported increased tiredness during on-peak times but when told stress would not impact their scores, suggesting that they invented an alternative self-handicap to excuse anticipated poor performance in the handicap-absent condition. These findings emphasize not only the resource needs required to engage in strategic self-handicapping, but also illustrate that awareness of evaluative concern is intensified when individuals have their full contingent of resources.