Defensive pessimism is a strategy used by people who are anxious about an upcoming event. They set unrealistically low expectations before going into a situation and take steps to avoid poor performance. Defensive pessimism involves over-preparation.

Self-handicapping is where an individual will create obstacles for themselves before an ability-evaluating event. If it turned out poorly, the obstacles became an excuse or explanation for the failure. If it turned out positive, the obstacles became conquered hurdles.

• Pessimists only expect bad things to happen. And this leads to increased anxiety and decreased perceived goal importance.
• Defensive pessimists tend to reflect about, or plan for, their performance. This leads to increased perceived goal importance, increased levels of e...

• Research found that defensive pessimists will do best when they can think through possible negative outcomes.
• Strategic optimists will do best when they avoid thinking about possible negative outcomes.