Self-defeating

Self-defeating or self-destructive behavior is any behavior that is harmful or potentially harmful towards the person who engages in the behavior. Self-defeating behavior is the idea that sometimes people knowingly do things that will cause them to fail or bring them trouble. It is defined as “any deliberate or intentional behavior that has clear, definitely or probably negative effects on the self or on the self’s projects” (Baumeister, 1997).

Causes

The causes for self-defeating behavior are not specific and can be influenced by a variety of factors. These can include childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.

Types of Self-Defeating Behaviors

There are several types of self-defeating behaviors including:

• Self-handicapping: This is when individuals create obstacles for themselves in order to have an excuse for failing. This behavior is often used to protect self-esteem and avoid feelings of embarrassment or shame.

• Self-sabotage: This is when individuals actively ruin their own chances of success. This can include procrastination, self-injury, substance abuse, and other harmful behaviors.

• Self-punishment: This is when individuals inflict harm on themselves as a form of punishment. This can include self-harm, self-starvation, and other forms of self-abuse.

Treatment

Treatment for self-defeating behaviors often involves psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other forms of mental health treatment. The goal of treatment is to help individuals understand the root cause of their behaviors and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

See Also

• Self-harm
• Self-sabotage
• Self-handicapping
• Mental health

References

Self-defeating Resources
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