Your Own Worst Enemy: Understanding the Paradox of Self-Defeating Behavior

While many of us may practice self-defeating behavior, most of us --contrary to conventional wisdom--don't really harbor a secret death wish, aver psychotherapist Berglas ( The Success Syndrome ) and research psychologist Baumeister ( Meanings of Life ). Observing that self-defeating acts can take myriad and devious forms, they compile numerous examples of how people create their own obstacles. Berglas and Baumeister buttress their list of self-sabotaging mechanisms with references to such memorable self-defeaters as Greta Garbo and Gary Hart. More descriptive than prescriptive, their approach may seem inadequate to readers who are looking for a blueprint for change. Nevertheless, the authors clearly demonstrate the insidious ways that people defeat themselves, and drive home the point that people's failure to achieve long-term goals often results from their choosing short-term pleasures instead. (Apr.)