Self-Handicapping and Psychiatric Symptoms in Students: The Buffering Effect of Authenticity.

This study investigates the impact of self-handicapping on psychiatric symptoms among students, focusing on the moderating role of authenticity. A total of 260 Pakistani students from various schools and colleges participated in the study through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Self-Handicapping Questionnaire, the Four-Dimensional Symptoms Questionnaire, and the Authenticity Scale. Results indicate that self-handicapping significantly predicts psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and distress. Furthermore, authenticity was found to moderate these relationships, suggesting that higher levels of authenticity can buffer the negative effects of selfhandicapping on mental health. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing self-defeating behaviours and promoting authenticity as part of mental health interventions in educational settings. These insights are valuable for educators and mental health professionals aiming to improve student well-being.