Final answer:
The behavior of deliberately not making an effort and procrastinating is closest to self-handicapping, but among the provided options, it is described as procrastination. Self-regulation is akin to willpower, while self-efficacy refers to confidence in one's abilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
When students deliberately handicap themselves in their studies, the behavior described is an example of self-handicapping, which is not one of the choices given.
However, among the provided options, the closest concept is procrastination, which involves delaying or postponing tasks, often until the last minute.
Self-regulation, in contrast, is the ability to manage one's behavior and goals to pursue positive outcomes. It is sometimes referred to as willpower, representing the capacity to delay gratification to achieve longer-term objectives.
Self-efficacy is one's confidence in their ability to succeed in specific situations. This sense of personal competence can significantly affect how one approaches goals, tasks, and challenges.
For instance, if Bettina's desire to perform well in an upcoming 5K race leads her to resist eating delicious strawberry cupcakes, she is demonstrating strong self-regulation.
In contrast, a student who watches television instead of studying and does poorly on an exam could be viewed as having poor self-regulation, which might stem from low self-efficacy regarding their ability to succeed in academic pursuits.
This behavior could support a self-fulfilling prophecy if the student underperforms due to their lack of preparation, confirming their initial doubt in their abilities.