French adaptation of the Self-Handicapping Scale

The aim of this research is to propose a French version of the Jones and Rhodewalt (1982) Self-Handicapping Scale (SHS) that measures a relatively stable tendency to engage in self-handicapping strategies. The results of five studies (N = 708) indicate that a 12 items short-form has a similar construct to that demonstrated by McCrea, Hirt, and Hendrix (2006) analyses. Exploratory and confirmatory factorial analyses emphasize the "Claimed" and "Behavioral" subscale. Correlation with self-esteem, gender differences, internal consistency and temporal stability show a construct comparable to the original version. Psychometrics qualities indicate that this SHS French short-form constitutes a valid instrument that future research on self-handicapping could use in French-speaking population.